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Man found guilty of robbing, killing Lancaster store owner

by M. Dilworth • August 1, 2014

Timothy Johnson (left) was found guilty in connection with a March 23, 2012 robbery that ended in the shooting death of 59-year-old Reed Keith (right).
Timothy Johnson (left) was found guilty in connection with a March 23, 2012 robbery that ended in the shooting death of 59-year-old Reed Keith (right).

LANCASTER – Timothy Johnson is guilty of robbing and murdering Lancaster store owner Reed Keith, a jury ruled Friday.

An Antelope Valley jury found 25-year-old Johnson guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree robbery, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The jury also found true a special circumstance allegation that the murder was committed during a robbery.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred during the afternoon of March 23, 2012 at the e-Chaps Computer Store at 2007 West Avenue K in Lancaster.

Armed with a handgun and wearing a ski mask, Johnson confronted Keith and a friend inside the store and said, “This is a robbery, get on the floor!” according to court testimony.

Johnson’s ex-girlfriend and co-defendant, Jinea Ingram, pleaded to voluntary manslaughter on May 6 in connection with Keith’s death.
Johnson’s ex-girlfriend and co-defendant, Jinea Ingram, pleaded to voluntary manslaughter on May 6 in connection with Keith’s death.

Keith’s friend got on the floor, but the store owner refused. After a brief exchange, Johnson shot Keith multiple times, according to the prosecutor.

“He was trying to rip off Reed Keith. Reed Keith wouldn’t have any of it… and so he ends up shooting and killing him,” Deputy District Attorney Jonathon Chung said during the trial.

Keith was shot in the knee, chest and head, the prosecutor said.

Johnson then stole computers from the store, along with Keith’s wallet. Johnson also snatched car keys and a cell phone from Keith’s friend, John Kimmons, who managed to escape unharmed while Johnson was rummaging the store.

Kimmons was one of several witnesses who testified during the week-long murder trial. Key testimony also came from Johnson’s ex-girlfriend and one-time co-defendant, Jinea Ingram.

Ingram testified that she drove Johnson to and from the computer store because Johnson told her he wanted to “hit a lick” (slang term for robbery). Ingram also testified that she drove Johnson to his mother’s house in Lancaster following the robbery. The stolen computers and Keith’s wallet were later recovered from the Lancaster home, according to court testimony.

Also testifying during the trial was Mercedez Johnson (no relation), who gave Timothy Johnson a ride out of town hours after the incident. Mercedez Johnson testified that she was unaware of the robbery/ murder when she drove Johnson from Lancaster to Los Angeles, where he was arrested the following day.

Johnson, himself, took the witness stand during trial and claimed he did not rob or kill anyone. He blamed it all on Ingram, saying she and another man had brought the stolen computers to his home after the incident.

Johnson’s defense attorney claimed Johnson was “obviously challenged” and that Jinea Ingram was a liar who was framing his client.

“Jinea and the actual robber-murderer set out to steal used computers…” Pierpont Laidley said during his closing statement to the jury. “Isn’t it just kind of convenient that Jinea’s father repairs computers?”

The jury rejected this defense and found Johnson guilty on all counts. Johnson will face life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced September 19.

Ingram has a sentencing hearing on August 14.

She pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter on May 6 and is expected to be sentenced to 21 years in state prison.

–

Previous related story:

Robbery, murder trial opens

Getaway driver in robbery, murder pleads no contest

Pair ordered to trial in Reed Keith murder

Suspects plead not guilty in computer store robbery, killing

Family, friends, community remember Reed Keith

Alleged getaway driver arrested in Friday’s robbery murder

Gunman ID’d in computer store robbery, killing

Man shot dead in computer store robbery; gunman still at large

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

6 comments for "Man found guilty of robbing, killing Lancaster store owner"

  1. Sara says

    August 16, 2014 at 9:54 am

    This is all due to the liberal state we live in, almost impossible to put someone to death! Prisoners get better health care and benefits than most people living in poverty.

  2. Draymond Lawson says

    August 9, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    Definitely glad these two imbeciles were found guilty. What an idiotic & weak defense by Johnson & shame on that smut Ingram for knowingly brining a person who intended on robbing and killing a hard innocent hard working man.
    It’s a shame that these are the kind of men that women prefer now and days.

  3. 13 Speed says

    August 8, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Somehow its not enough. If they cant get death then they should have their hands cut off or blinded or something to make it harder. This punishment don’t make it,Especially her.

  4. Just Sayin' says

    August 5, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Free ROOM and BOARD on the TAX PAYERS for killing someone

  5. sick of their ways says

    August 5, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    Hope both never gets out except feet first!!!

  6. Danny says

    August 2, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    No sh_t! Totally shocked

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