Wayne County Prosecutors charged two Detroit men, Anthony Brock, 28, and Darnell Wilson, 30, on Saturday with first-degree murder, carjacking and unlawful imprisonment after gay man, Diano Johnson, was found shot and burned on the city’s east side.
If convicted, the pair will face up to life in prison for the murder charge. According to Detroit News, prosecutors say the incident occurred on June 19 when Brock arranged to meet Johnson after the pair met on Facebook.
Brock allegedly locked Johnson in the trunk of Johnson's car and picked up Wilson. Prosecutors said the two men grabbed firearms and drove Johnson to a location on the city's east side, where they dragged him from the car and shot him multiple times.
The following morning, Brock allegedly set Johnson's car on fire, burning his legs in the process, prosecutors said.
Johnson's body was discovered by Detroit police officers on June 21. The department's investigation led to the arrest of Brock on June 25, and Wilson on Friday. Brock was later charged with arson for allegedly setting Johnson’s car on fire.
Johnson's mother, Vonceia Johnson posted on her son's Facebook account on July 5 to thank people who have sent their condolences.
There has not yet been any talks of this brutal murder being made a hate crime. The pair are expected to be arraigned Monday in 36th District Court in Detroit.
We at Gaye, are sending our prayers to Diano Johnson’s friends and family.