Watch CBS News

Mistrial Declared In Trial For Man Accused Of Killing Phylicia Barnes

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A mistrial was declared in the murder of a North Carolina teenager. This is the second time Baltimore City prosecutors have tried to get a second degree murder conviction against Michael Johnson in the death of Phylicia Barnes.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the judge's ruling.

The defense had not presented a single witness before the judge declared a mistrial.

He was the last person to see 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes alive. Now Michael Johnson will have a third chance to convince a jury that he didn't kill her.

"We know the state has the correct man. No ifs, ands or buts about it," said Phylicia's father, Russell Barnes, in March of 2013.

Phylicia Barnes disappeared in December of 2010, sparking one of the largest manhunts in Baltimore history. The teenage honors student was in town visiting her half sisters when she vanished. Her body was found floating in the Susquehanna River months later.

Prosecutors believe Johnson---who dated Barnes' sister---raped the teen, strangled her, put her body in a large plastic container and threw it in the water. For the past two weeks, they've presented evidence to the jury but, according to our media partner the Baltimore Sun, a judge declared a mistrial Monday, saying prosecutors played material for jurors that was supposed to be withheld. The judge says he does not believe that prosecutors intentionally tried to taint the jury.

This is the second trial for Michael Johnson. His 2013 conviction on second degree murder charges was overturned by a judge after prosecutors withheld evidence that may discredit a key eyewitness.

"I think it's pretty obvious that the state got caught with their hand in the cookie jar," said defense attorney Ivan Bates in March of 2013.

Johnson has maintained his innocence in Barnes' death. Now he'll face yet another jury. Dates for the third trial will be scheduled during a hearing Tuesday.

Johnson was acquitted of first degree murder during his first trial.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.