Possible plea reversal delays killing case

Thursday was supposed to be the day that Darryl Andre Johnson was sentenced in the Oct. 22 shooting death of 22-year-old Phillip E. Adams Jr. at a deli on the Corner.

Johnson had entered Alford pleas in April to first-degree murder and other charges. Family and friends took up rows in the audience.

But instead of being sentenced, Johnson requested a new attorney and asked to rescind his pleas, which do not admit guilt but acknowledge there is likely sufficient evidence for a conviction.

Charlottesville Circuit Judge Edward L. Hogshire granted a short continuance of the case until Nov. 3, when a judge will hear arguments on whether Johnson can get new counsel.

Defense attorney Christopher Graham didn’t elaborate on why his client is seeking new counsel. Authorities said the plea change would be addressed after a judge rules on the lawyer request.

Matthew J. Quatrara, assistant commonwealth’s attorney, said in court that everyone was ready for sentencing, including Adams family members who had traveled from afar. Upon learning the news that sentencing wasn’t happening Thursday, one man became upset and was escorted from the courtroom by a bailiff.

Johnson and Adams both attended a private party Oct. 21 in the upstairs dining room of the now-defunct Pacino’s Deli. Witnesses told police the men were bickering. As the party continued into Oct. 22, witnesses said, Adams pushed Johnson down.

When Johnson got up, witnesses said, he pulled a revolver from his pants and shot Adams in the chest and thigh/groin area. Adams later was pronounced dead at the University of Virginia Medical Center. A bystander also suffered a nonfatal wound to his right hip.

Graham said in court he also was asking for the case to be continued because the pre-sentence investigation didn’t arrive within five days of sentencing and he hadn’t had time to review it with Johnson.

Under sentencing guidelines mentioned by Hogshire, Johnson could face between 25 and 42 years in prison.