In a disturbing and tragic case that shocked Louisiana and the wider online community, a Baton Rouge man has been found guilty of first-degree murder after brutally torturing and killing a woman — and livestreaming the entire act on social media.
Earl Johnson Convicted of Live-Streaming Brutal Murder
On September 12, 2025, a jury in East Baton Rouge found 39-year-old Earl Johnson guilty of the first-degree murder of Janice David, a 34-year-old woman whose life ended in a horrifying act of violence in April 2022.
Janice was found naked and tied to the steering wheel of a vehicle in Baton Rouge. But what made this case even more chilling was that Johnson streamed the murder live on Instagram, with hundreds of people reportedly watching in real time.
Motive Revealed in Court: “If I’m Going Down…”
During the trial, prosecutors showed the full 16-minute video to the jury. In the footage, Johnson can be heard saying:
“She was going to say I raped her, they’re going to believe her over me. If I’m going down, I’m going to live forever.”
These words, captured live, left the courtroom shaken and played a central role in the prosecution’s case. State attorney Dana Cummings stated in court that Johnson clearly wanted attention and fame, even at the cost of someone’s life.
Mental Health Plea Rejected
Johnson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His defense attorney, Hafiz Folami, argued that both Johnson and Janice had been on a drug-fueled binge for days before the murder. He pointed to Johnson’s erratic behaviour — including waiting for police to arrive — as signs of a severe mental issue.
However, mental health experts involved in the case concluded that Johnson was mentally sound at the time of the crime and fully aware of his actions.
Crime Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Janice David, 34 |
| Convicted | Earl Johnson, 39 |
| Crime Date | April 18, 2022 |
| Conviction Date | September 12, 2025 |
| Crime Type | First-degree murder |
| Special Circumstance | Livestreamed on Instagram |
| Sentence Date | Scheduled for December 2025 |
Why the Case Gripped the Nation
This case drew widespread attention not just because of its violent nature, but because the crime was broadcast live, raising serious concerns about social media monitoring and user safety.
While many online viewers were horrified, the video circulated before it was taken down, highlighting the dark side of digital platforms, where shocking content can be shared instantly with the world.
No Remorse, Just Infamy
Prosecutors made it clear that Johnson wanted to be remembered for what he did, no matter how terrible it was. As Cummings put it in court, “He wanted everyone to see it… because he wanted to be famous and he wanted his son to be famous.”
The court ultimately rejected any claims of insanity, pointing to the clear planning, motive, and awareness Johnson showed in his own statements during the video.
This horrifying case stands as a reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the dangers of using social media as a stage for violence. Janice David’s death was not just a private tragedy — it became a public spectacle. As Johnson awaits his sentencing, the community continues to mourn Janice and reflect on the role technology played in this tragedy. True justice may never erase the pain caused, but the guilty verdict does ensure one thing — Johnson will never walk free again.
