Russell Johnston, age 29, was arrested on four Counts of Murder in the First Degree stemming from his actions in the road rage collision that occurred on September 12, 2010. Johnston, along with co-defendant James Holian was charged in the deaths that resulted from the incident.
Johnston, who is paralyzed from the mid torso down as a result of the injuries sustained in the crash, appeared today in front of the Honorable Charles Clawson, Circuit Judge and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The Judge ordered that Johnston could be released on $100,000.00 surety bond which is acceptable to the Sheriff and if bond is posted he would be held under house arrest with a GPS monitor to record his movement.
The State had argued that Mr. Johnston be held on $500,000.00 cash or professional bond, which was the set amount in Holian’s case. However, given the medical condition of Johnston and the additional care required, the judge opted for a lower bond amount.
“While I understand that Mr. Johnston’s physical condition presents great difficulty for the jail, our position has to first show concern for the victims of the crime that was committed by Holian and Johnston. Our focus is now, and will continue to be, on the family in the loss they have suffered. Regardless of Johnston’s condition our office will be pursuing justice for the victims”, said Marcus Vaden Twentieth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney.
