At trial, man’s lawyers don’t deny he fatally shot ex-wife; PTSD, insanity cited in defense

PARIS -- There was no dispute Thursday in Logan County Circuit Court whether Joshua Johnson shot his ex-wife to death, but whether he was insane when he did it.

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A jury of eight women and four men was selected to determine whether Johnson got drunk and deliberately killed Lora Karras, 30, on March 19, 2014, or whether he couldn't control his actions because he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

Johnson, 40, appeared in court Thursday well-groomed, wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and tie. He sat quietly through the hours of jury selection, paying attention as attorneys questioned prospective jurors.

Prosecuting Attorney Tom Tatum II asked jurors if they could consider the full range of prison sentences for first-degree murder, which is 10 to 40 years or life.

In the state's opening statement, deputy prosecutor Brian Mueller told jurors that Johnson had been drinking most of the day of the shooting and that he got into an argument with his wife, Jennifer. Johnson was mad about his finances and that most of his pay went to Karras for child support, Mueller said.

The argument ended when Jennifer Johnson told him that she was leaving him and taking their children to her parents' home in Beebe. Joshua Johnson helped her load up the car and the children, Mueller said.

After his wife left, Mueller said, Johnson loaded a 12-gauge shotgun and drove to 236 Rodeo Arena Road in Scranton, leaving his pickup running and the driver door open as he walked up to the house.

Karras and others in the house saw Johnson walking up the driveway, and Karras walked out the kitchen door into the carport. Johnson approached her and fired a round of double-aught buckshot into her, Mueller said. Johnson fired two more rounds into her prone body when he heard her still breathing, Mueller said.

When a sheriff's deputy arrived at the house, Johnson complied with his orders to surrender. He has since been held in Logan County jail.

Mueller said Johnson has raised the defense of mental disease or defect but told jurors that he believed Johnson committed the calculated and deliberate act because he was drunk and angry at Karras.

Aubrey Barr of Fort Smith, who along with John Irwin of Morrilton is representing Johnson, admitted to jurors in her opening statement that Johnson shot Karras. But he couldn't stop himself, she said, and blamed his actions on insanity.

Attorneys for both sides are expected to present expert witnesses to testify on the insanity issue.

Barr told jurors to consider whether a man who was in his right mind would shoot his ex-wife in front of his children.

She said the defense's case would consist of testimony about Johnson's and Karras' eight-year marriage. Jurors also would hear from soldiers about the horrors of combat and the effects it can have in causing post-traumatic stress disorder. She said they would testify that stresses at home can contribute to the disorder as well.

Testimony begins at 9 a.m. today.

State Desk on 03/25/2016

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