Judge sets bond at $2M in Southwood Square Apartments slaying

The prosecution said in court that it has a "uniquely strong case" against Michael James.

News 12 Staff

Sep 30, 2019, 6:52 PM

Updated 1,702 days ago

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A judge ordered the suspect accused in a deadly Stamford shooting held on $2 million bond Monday, as prosecutors laid out evidence in the case.
Michael James, 53, is accused of killing 39-year-old Torrick Johnson last Wednesday.
The prosecution told the court Monday that they have a "uniquely strong case" against James. Investigators say that's because they have video of James committing the murder.
The shooting happened behind 108 Montauk Drive at the Southwood Square Apartments, a complex that's filled with cameras. Authorities allege that James shot Johnson until he fell to the ground, then stood over him and fired two more times.
Investigators say the shooting followed some type of disagreement between a large group of people. According to the warrant, witnesses said that Johnson was not a part of the disagreement, but was trying to de-escalate the situation.
Johnson's loved ones were in court on Monday, but did not want to go on camera. News 12 spoke with his aunt last week, who said Johnson was a family man who will be missed.
James' family was also in court, and he looked back at them several times as he went before the judge at his arraignment.
The prosecution pointed to his 22 previous convictions and said that he has a history of not coming to court.
As he was led out of the courtroom Monday, someone yelled out "murderer."
The judge set bond at $2 million. James is due back in court on Dec. 6.
 


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