Prosecutors: Man accused of killing 11-year-old in road rage shooting may face death
A man accused of killing an 11-year-old in a road rage shooting may face the death penalty, prosecutors said Thursday.
Tyler Johns, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Brandon Dominguez-Chavarria on Nov. 14.
Authorities have said the victim’s stepfather, Valente Ayala, and Johns were “jockeying” for positions on the westbound 215 Beltway near Gibson Road and arguing with each other before Johns shot into the backseat of Ayala’s vehicle.
The case will go to the death penalty review committee, Deputy District Attorney Alexander Quagge told District Judge Tierra Jones.
“There’s a lot more to this story than what has been portrayed and we look forward to showing that,” said defense attorney Ryan Helmick after court.
Helmick has previously called the shooting an “accidental situation.”
One witness quoted in Johns’ arrest report described Ayala as “angrier and the aggressor,” but prosecutors decided not to charge Ayala.
Johns is charged with murder with use of a deadly weapon and gun charges.
Ayala testified at that hearing that he was frightened by Johns swerving at him and pulling a gun.
“He was pointing the gun at my head,” said Ayala. “I looked toward the front, and the worst thing happened. I heard the shot, and I turned around to ask him if he was OK.”
Body camera video from after the shooting showed Ayala yelling, “My kid is dead!” as police arrested Johns.
Johns’ arraignment has been continued to Jan. 8.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BrighamNoble on X.
