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Westchester Man Charged With August 2018 Murder

A 26-year-old man may face death after he was charged with murdering someone earlier this year to benefit his marijuana distribution ring, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced on Thursday.

White Plains Federal Court.

White Plains Federal Court.

Photo Credit: File

Barry Johnson of Mount Vernon has been charged with aiding and abetting the murder of David DeGrace on Aug. 26 to further a drug distribution conspiracy. Johnson was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 20 in Mount Vernon and appeared in court later in the day.

On the day of the fatal shooting, DeGrace, 36, was at his South Seventh Avenue apartment in Mount Vernon, where he was killed.

“Last summer, David DeGrace was shot dead, the victim of senseless drug-related violence.  As alleged, Barry Johnson aided and abetted that murder,” Berman said. “Thanks to the work of our remarkable law enforcement partners, Johnson now stands charged in federal court for his role in this terrible crime.”

Johnson has been charged with one felony count of aiding and abetting murder through the use of a firearm in relation to narcotics trafficking. If convicted, he faces life in prison or death.

“Last summer, David DeGrace was shot dead, the victim of senseless drug-related violence.  As alleged, Barry Johnson aided and abetted that murder,” Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Shawn Harris said. “Thanks to the work of our remarkable law enforcement partners, Johnson now stands charged in federal court for his role in this terrible crime.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. added, “in addition to the scourge of addiction, the drug trade brings violence and fear to our communities.  As alleged, Barry Johnson aided and abetted the death of David DeGrace for no other reason than to further that drug trade. The FBI and our partners are committed to eradicating drugs and associated criminal activity from our streets.”

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