A 32-year-old DoorDash driver, Edsel Robert Johnson, has been charged with first-degree murder after fatally shooting Bradley Allen Rex during a confrontation at the Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival in Post Falls, Idaho. The incident took place on Saturday evening at the Stateline Speedway in front of a crowd, including Rex’s wife.
The Confrontation
Johnson was attempting to deliver baby formula when he became frustrated with the crowd and began driving aggressively through the festival. Witnesses reported that he was honking his horn and driving the wrong way, prompting Rex to attempt to protect bystanders.
When Rex refused to move out of the way, he swung a folding chair at Johnson’s van, escalating the situation.
Johnson reportedly stopped the van, got out, and physically attacked Rex, throwing him to the ground. Afterward, Rex approached Johnson’s van, and Johnson fired a single shot through the open window, killing Rex.
Johnson’s Statements
Johnson later called 911 and admitted to the shooting, saying he “didn’t want to shoot him but had stuff to do.” He acknowledged that he slammed Rex to the ground and stated that when Rex approached his van, he “reacted” out of frustration.
Johnson also expressed regret but minimized the incident, saying the “dude is dead over nothing.”
Charges and Court Appearance
Johnson is facing charges of first-degree murder, reckless driving, and battery. He is currently being held without bond in the Kootenai County Jail. A judge described Johnson’s actions as a “critical failure of judgment” during his court appearance.
