Victim’s father tells killer he forgives him
Akeem Johnson was running away from a fight last summer when Dasean Battle decided it wasn’t over, gave chase on a bicycle and shot Johnson dead at the entrance to Green Lawn Cemetery.
For that, Battle was sentenced yesterday to a prison term of 23 years to life.
He also was granted forgiveness by his victim’s father.
Battle’s sentencing came after he pleaded guilty before Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Colleen O’Donnell to aggravated murder in the June 24, 2013, killing of Johnson.
An investigation by Franklin County deputy sheriffs revealed that Battle, 21, was furious because Johnson, also 21, had been flirting online with Battle’s girlfriend.
The girlfriend lured Johnson to the playground of Sullivant Elementary School on Greenfield Drive near the cemetery, where he was jumped and beaten by Battle and Derrick Robinson, said Assistant Prosecutor Jack Wong.
After the fight ended and Johnson had fled, Battle asked Robinson to give him a gun, caught up to Johnson and killed him, Wong said. Battle later told deputies that he shot Johnson because he was still angry.
Robinson pleaded guilty last week to involuntary manslaughter and carrying a concealed weapon. A plea agreement recommends that he receive a five-year prison sentence but notes that he could receive less time if information that he has pro- vided to authorities “in an unrelated homicide” pans out. Assistant Prosecutor James Lowe said that homicide did not involve Battle, but he did not have other details.
Defense attorney Mark Collins told O’Donnell that Battle regretted actions borne of immaturity and hostility.
“He knows in his heart what happened,” Collins said. “After the fight occurred, he made a terrible decision and took this boy’s life.”
“I wish I could take it back,” Battle said.
Battle listened quietly as Claiborne Johnson spoke about the death of his son.
“I spent time raising my child correctly,” Mr. Johnson said. “He wasn’t no child that runs around and be in the streets.”
Mr. Johnson said his son finished high school and about six months later decided to enroll at Columbus State Community College to study radiography. Mr. Johnson drove his son to and from classes each day.
Turning to look directly at Battle a few feet away, he said: “I forgive you.”
He urged Battle to search his soul and said he hoped that he would lead a better life upon his release, saying his son was proof that “you only get one chance.”
Battle replied quietly, “I appreciate that.”