State v. Johnson
2025 Ohio 1962
Ohio Ct. App.2025Background
- Dion L. Johnson was convicted after a bench trial in Stark County for felonious assault, domestic violence, and one count of strangulation related to a fight with his girlfriend.
- The incident occurred in January 2024, when police responded to a domestic violence call and found the victim partially naked, wet, and distressed, reporting Johnson had attacked her and was still in the apartment.
- Johnson admitted to police that he poured water on the victim and stated he had "mugged the fuck out of her."
- The victim was hospitalized with bruising, redness, three fractured ribs, a torn stomach lining, and petechia in her eyes; her blood-alcohol level was .354, but she was alert and coherent per medical staff.
- At trial, Johnson was found guilty of felonious assault, domestic violence, and the lesser degree of strangulation, but not guilty of a more serious strangulation charge. He appealed on evidentiary grounds.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sufficiency of evidence for strangulation | Victim’s and medical testimony established elements | Evidence insufficient; victim’s intoxication made her story unreliable | Evidence was sufficient; conviction upheld |
| Manifest weight of the evidence (all charges) | Witnesses credible; injuries consistent with attack | Victim’s injuries result of intoxication and falling; officers’ data unreliable | Verdicts not against manifest weight; affirmed |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (sets standard for appellate review of evidentiary sufficiency)
- State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380 (articulates standard for manifest weight review on appeal)
- State v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St.3d 421 (explains when verdicts may be overturned as unreasonable)
- Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. City of Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77 (deference given to factfinder’s credibility determinations)