The Berks County District Attorney’s office has announced they have charged 37-year-old Darrell A. Johnson in connection with the 2016 fatal shooting of Michael W. Shields.
On Saturday, August 6, 2016, at approximately 9:05pm, 28-year-old Michael W. Shields was shot to death outside of 640 East Ben Franklin Highway, in Amity Township, after a male suspect attempted to steal a motorcycle from Shields and his acquaintance at gunpoint. The male acquaintance, who was pistol whipped during this incident, suffered a head injury.
The homicide was initially investigated by the Amity Township Police Department and the Berks County Detectives.
Throughout the investigation, Detectives say evidence was obtained that linked Johnson to the crime. As the investigation continued, additional evidence was identified.
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Johnson was charged with Murder of the First Degree, Murder of the Second Degree, Murder of the Third Degree, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Tampering with Public Records or Information, Possessing Instruments of Crime, and Simple Assault. A warrant of arrest was issued for Johnson by Magisterial District Judge Steven M. Chieffo, Oley, PA.
Johnson is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter and will be arraigned at a later date.
A Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
