School shooter claims assault by inmates, staff
Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
BENTONVILLE — Jonesboro school shooter Mitchell Johnson claims he’s being picked on by inmates and staff while in the Benton County jail.
Johnson made the claims Monday morning during a court appearance in a theft case.
“My client alleges he’s being soundly thumped in the jail,” public defender Scott McElveen said.
Johnson said he’s been physically assaulted by inmates and staff, according to McElveen, and Johnson believes the abuse is because of his role in the Jonesboro school shootings.
Johnson, who was 13 at the time, and Andrew Golden, who was 11, shot and killed a teacher and four students on March 24, 1998, at Westside Middle School near Jonesboro. They were convicted of five counts of capital murder and held at a state juvenile facility until they turned 18. They then were held at a federal facility until they turned 21.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Shane Wilkinson said Monday was the first time he’s heard of Johnson’s claims.
Circuit Judge Tom Keith scheduled a hearing to reconsider Johnson’s bond at 8: 30 a.m. June 9. Johnson will have a chance to present evidence of his abuse claims at the hearing.
Johnson, 23, is being held in lieu of $ 50, 000 bond.
Johnson was arrested Feb. 2 in Bentonville at the Fastrip on South Walton Boulevard, where he worked as a clerk, for possession of marijuana. He also was charged with theft by receiving and financial identity fraud when he used a customer’s credit card to make purchases, according to court documents.
In January, a federal jury convicted Johnson of being a regular drug user while in possession of a gun. He was released on bond while awaiting sentencing when he was arrested again on the Benton County charges and returned to jail.
For the federal charges, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $ 250, 000 fine.
His bond has been revoked on the federal case.
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