A Young Dolph murder suspect has been freed after a clerical error. The man was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact and attempted first-degree murder.
But what was the error and why he is free? The man, Shundale Barrett, is the cousin of Justin Johnson who was found guilty of the murder and is set for life in prison. Barrett was with Johnson as he was arrested in the state of Indiana, receiving arrest and charges for probable cause.
After investigation, Barrett wasn’t involved at all but an active warrant was left open in the legal system, leading to an arrest. A statement from the Shelby County District Attorney’s office is available below:
“During the investigation of Justin Johnson, Shundale Barnett was found with [Justin] Johnson at the time of his arrest in Indiana. Based on this and other facts, a task force officer with the U.S. Marshals determined there was probable cause to charge Barnett with Accessory After the Fact, and an arrest warrant was issued as part of standard procedure.
As the investigation progressed, the DA’s Office determined that Barnett was not involved in the case and chose not to pursue charges, indicating the charge would be withdrawn. However, a delay in recalling the warrant left it active in the system. This clerical issue has now been resolved, and the charges against Barnett have been officially dismissed.”
