Justice for D'Asia: Manhattan Man Sentenced for Murder and Dismemberment
A man from Manhattan has been sentenced for the murder and dismemberment of his girlfriend in her East New York apartment. Justin Williams, 27, received a 26-year to life prison term for fatally stabbing 22-year-old D'Asia Johnson, dismembering her body, and concealing her remains in 2022. Court documents revealed that Johnson had endured abuse from Williams during their relationship, which had lasted for several years. Prior to her death, Johnson had obtained an order of protection against Williams, which was in effect at the time of the attack.
The tragic incident occurred when Williams entered Johnson's apartment on Linwood Street in the early hours of August 21. He repeatedly stabbed her, causing fatal injuries to her heart and lung. Following the murder, Williams dismembered Johnson's body and stored her remains in garbage bags inside the apartment for nearly a month. During this time, he impersonated Johnson to her workplace and family, ensuring he continued to receive her paychecks and used her benefits for personal expenses.
Williams went as far as using Johnson's income to pay women for sexual acts in the apartment while her body decomposed nearby. Concerns were raised by a building staff member who conducted a wellness check on Johnson before alerting the authorities. Williams was found guilty of multiple charges, including second-degree murder, concealment of a human corpse, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal impersonation, and welfare fraud.
The sentencing of Williams was met with a statement from the prosecution expressing the horrific violence inflicted on D'Asia Johnson and the defendant's callous disregard for her life and dignity. The hope is that the family of D'Asia can find some comfort and justice in the sentencing of Williams for his brutal actions.