News Summary
Horatio Johnson has been convicted of manslaughter for the drownings of Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph after a retrial in Orleans Parish. Johnson, whose previous murder conviction was overturned, faces a maximum sentence of 40 years. The case revealed harrowing evidence of the victims being thrown off a bridge and weighted down. Key testimonies, including that of his ex-girlfriend, played a critical role in the prosecution’s success, as the community reflects on the lasting impact of this tragic event.
New Orleans
An Orleans Parish jury has convicted Horatio Johnson of manslaughter in connection with the drownings of Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph, marking a significant outcome in a complex murder case that has lingered in the community for nearly a decade. Johnson, 49, was retried after a previous conviction was overturned due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against non-unanimous jury verdicts. The jury spent over eight hours deliberating before reaching the verdict, ultimately rejecting more serious murder charges that had initially been filed against him.
During the trial, evidence presented by the prosecution revealed that both Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph were murdered by being thrown off the Interstate 510 “Green Bridge” and weighted down with 30-pound kettlebells. After going missing in February 2014, their bodies were later recovered from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway—Lakeitha’s body surfaced on March 10, 2014, while Kenneth’s body was found later, bound with a rope attached to a kettlebell.
Following the jury’s decision, Judge Benedict Willard has scheduled Johnson’s sentencing for Tuesday, where he faces a maximum prison term of 40 years. Johnson’s previous convictions from 2017 included two counts of second-degree murder, which were later overturned, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Key Testimonies and Evidence
Critical to the prosecution’s case was the testimony of Johnson’s ex-girlfriend, Brittany Martin. After serving months in jail on related murder charges, she testified against Johnson, claiming that she witnessed him physically assault the victims prior to the fatal incident. She also recounted how Johnson purchased the kettlebells and cleaning equipment at a local Kenner Wal-Mart to dispose of evidence.
The case against Johnson was bolstered by additional testimonies and evidence, including reports of blood found in the couple’s van, which was located in Atlanta. The investigation gained momentum after relatives reported the Josephs missing on February 19, 2014, leading to police efforts that implicated multiple individuals in the crimes.
Accomplices and Related Sentences
In addition to Johnson, authorities allege that two accomplices, Stephen Bradley and Amir “Blue” Ybarra, played roles in disposing of the bodies. Bradley has since been sentenced to 70 years in prison for offenses related to this case, while Ybarra has evaded capture. Another individual, Frank Mike Jr., an ex-convict, was also implicated in the case and received a nine-year sentence for obstruction of justice.
In a broader context, Martin faced charges initially but cooperated with law enforcement, leading to her eventual testimony against Johnson. She is currently serving a ten-year sentence, with five years suspended. The relationship between Johnson and Martin began while she was a state prison guard and Johnson was incarcerated for a previous murder.
Trial Implications and Community Response
Johnson’s defense team argued that the prosecution’s case was heavily reliant on dubious witness testimony, insinuating that Martin had ulterior motives for her cooperation with authorities. The jury’s verdict in Johnson’s retrial marks the second conviction stemming from cases retried under the new jury verdict laws, highlighting ongoing shifts in the judicial process within the state.
The official autopsy concluded that both Kenneth and Lakeitha Joseph died from drowning, shedding light on the brutal methods of their demise. As the community grapples with the chilling details of this case, the outcome serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of violent crime in New Orleans, and the complex nature of seeking justice in the wake of tragic events.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: New Orleans Jury Convicts Man in 2014 Killings
- Fox 8: Man Convicted in Murders of Reserve Couple
- The Advocate: Horatio Johnson Convicted in 2014 Kettlebell Killings
- Wikipedia: Manslaughter
- Google Search: New Orleans crime news
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
