PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A jury has convicted two men of murdering a Philadelphia sanitation worker nearly three years ago.
Throughout the week, prosecutors argued the killing of 35-year-old Ikeem Johnson on Sept. 18, 2022, was a “coordinated assassination.”
Jurors agreed, convicting Nushar Scott, the accused shooter, of first-degree murder, and Rasheen Trusty, the driver, of third-degree murder. Both were also convicted of conspiracy.
Crime scene officers flipped through photos of the two dozen rounds fired that day — Johnson, in a pool of his own blood, was shot 15 times. Officials say Trusty drove Scott to Rowland Avenue as Johnson was working. Scott, who was wearing a mask, got out with two guns and fired them, killing Johnson.
A DNA expert testified to Scott’s DNA, which was found on a shell casing and inside black latex gloves tossed on the road after the shooting.
Detectives also showed surveillance video that tied the pair to the timeline. The two were seen leaving an apartment in Northern Liberties and driving to Rowland Avenue near Lincoln High School, where the shooting happened. Trusty’s phone was tracked going to and from the scene. Scott’s phone stayed at the apartment.
Defense attorneys tried to poke holes in the case along the way, saying this is a case of mistaken identity.
Scott’s attorney questioned the validity of the DNA, and Trusty’s attorney said there’s no physical evidence that tied his client to the scene.
Scott will spend the rest of his life in prison. Trusty will likely be sentenced to at least a decade in prison.
A hearing is set for May 12.