Judge Dismisses All Charges Against Michael Johnson In Phylicia Barnes Murder Trial

Caryn Little,

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BALTIMORE, M.D. — The man accused of killing Monroe teen Phylicia Barnes in Baltimore in 2010 is free. Β All charges against Michael Johnson were dismissed Tuesday.

Johnson was facing a third trial after a mistrial and an overturned second-degree murder conviction in Barnes’ death. Β The judge cited a lack of evidence in the case. Β Phylicia Barnes’ father, Russell Barnes, talked with WCCB Charlotte, blaming the judicial system for Tuesday’s decision.

“It’s the system,” he said. Β “The system is terribly flawed and we can tell it’s going against our children.”

The Maryland State Attorney’s Office plans to appeal the judge’s ruling.