A Walton County jury convicted 17-year-old Artis Johnson of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, tampering with evidence and gun charges.[1] The conviction follows a dispute over a one-dollar bet in a dice game that ended in the shooting death of Johnson’s 15-year-old relative, Cordarius Early.[2] The verdict was returned on 26 October 2026, more than two and a half years after the killing.[2]

According to the Walton County District Attorney’s Office, Johnson and 15-year-old Cordarius Early were walking with a group of friends along North Madison Avenue when the shooting happened at about 3:30 p.m. on 3 February 2024.[3] Prosecutors said Johnson shot Early six times, killing him.[2] Johnson ran off from police and discarded the gun, his clothes and marijuana, but was caught a short time later.[1]

Johnson remains in custody awaiting sentencing, with a hearing set for 11 January 2027.[2] Published accounts differ on the precise list of charges the jury decided.[2]