Joshua Johnson PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The suspect in a murder at a Memorial Day family gathering pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect on Monday.
Joshua Johnson, 38, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the May 30 incident.
The so-called insanity plea means the defense contends Johnson suffered from a mental condition which prohibited him from understanding his actions and knowing right from wrong. If convicted of the crime but a jury finds him not guilty due to that, Johnson would be committed to a secure psychiatric hospital instead of being sent to prison.
Due to the plea, Judge Teresa Basiliere ordered a psychiatric evaluation. The next court date will be scheduled upon the report’s completion.
According to the complaint, police were called to 325 Oxford Avenue about 6 p.m. May 30 for reports of a shooting. Witnesses directed police to Johnson, who admitted he was the gunman.
A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol level of .075. Police then interviewed Johnson.
“Johnson was very focused on the family plotting against him, and his belief that (the victim) wanted to kill Johnson. Johnson talked about how the family thought he was seeing demons, but he really was not,” the complaint states. “Regarding the shooting, Johnson said, “I did what I did, that’s that.” Johnson said he had to end it because they were going to end Johnson. Johnson said that he was not sure whether (the victim) was going to kill Johnson for money, or whether someone was trying to get rich off a record deal, or whether they were going to sacrifice him. Johnson stated, “I know I’m going to prison for a while, but he tried to kill me.””
The victim’s nephew told police “that family members had been trying to get help for Johnson, but Johnson was refusing. White said that Johnson viewed (the victim) as the root of a lot of Johnson’s problems, but that (the victim) did not seem to have any sort of beef with Johnson,” the complaint states.
The event was a family gathering, as the victim and Johnson’s sister have a child together. Family members told police Johnson has drug and paranoia issues.
The victim, who is not identified, was shot in the head, the complaint states.
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