Norristown man admits role in fatal stabbing

Zariyus Johnson, 20, pleads guilty to third-degree murder charges in death of Derrick Lynch

NORRISTOWN >> A 20-year-old Norristown man admitted to his role in the fatal stabbing of another borough man and now awaits his fate from a judge.

Zariyus Z. Johnson, of the 600 block of Walnut Street, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court to charges of third-degree murder, possessing an instrument of crime and conspiracy to commit third-degree murder in connection with the 3:55 p.m. Sept. 23, 2018, fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Derrick Lynch during an altercation in the 500 block of DeKalb Street.

Third-degree murder is a killing committed with malice.

“He admitted that on the date in question he, along with his co-defendant Nafees Frazier, attacked Derrick Lynch and they went after him with malice and they stabbed the victim three times, resulting in his death,” said county Assistant District Attorney Allison Ruth, explaining the nature of Johnson’s admission.

Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy deferred sentencing until Nov. 20 so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Johnson, who will undergo drug, alcohol and mental health evaluations. Johnson will remain in the county jail without bail pending his sentencing hearing.

Johnson, who is represented by defense lawyer James Lyons, faces at least 15 years in prison on the charges and up to a possible maximum sentence of 85 years behind bars.

Ruth and co-prosecutor Roderick Fancher vowed to seek a lengthy prison term against Johnson.

Other charges of first- and second-degree murder will be

“A blue-handled folding knife was located in the grassy area near the victim.”

dismissed against Johnson at sentencing time. A conviction of those charges at a trial would have carried mandatory life prison terms.

First-degree murder is an intentional killing and second-degree murder is a killing committed during the course of another felony, such as robbery.

Frazier, 19, of the 500 block of Green Street, Norristown, is awaiting trial on charges of first-, second-, and third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a weapon in connection with the incident. The judge scheduled Frazier’s jury trial to commence on Sept. 16. Frazier is represented by defense lawyer Richard Maurer.

The investigation began when Norristown police were dispatched to the 500 block of DeKalb Street for a report of a stabbing. Arriving officers found Lynch suffering from multiple stab wounds and he was transported to Mercy Suburban Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

“A blue handled folding knife was located in the grassy area near the victim,” county Detective William Mitchell and Norristown Detective Stephen Sowell alleged in the arrest affidavit.

An autopsy conducted by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office determined Lynch died from multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was ruled homicide.

Multiple witnesses positively identified the assailants in photo line-ups and authorities also secured video surveillance footage from cameras in the area of the attack, which took place in broad daylight on a Sunday afternoon, according to court papers.

Witnesses reported observing Johnson and Frazier chasing and punching Lynch before the fatal stabbing.

Investigators, in arrest documents, alleged Frazier was inside La Roma’s Restaurant, 548 DeKalb St., when Johnson ran inside and said, “Come on let’s get him,” and both men left the restaurant together.

“(A witness) observed both males leave the restaurant, run across DeKalb Street and attack Lynch,” Mitchell and Sowell alleged. “(The witness) observed both males assaulting and stabbing Lynch.”

One witness reported seeing Frazier go through Lynch’s pockets before he and Johnson fled east on Marshall Street toward Green Street, according to the criminal complaint.