N.Y.C. Man Fatally Stabbed Younger Sister in Front of Mom — Now He Learns Fate

A New York City man who fatally stabbed his younger sister in front of their mother has learned his fate.

Rodney Johnson, 29, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his 20-year-old sister Shayla Johnson, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced in press release on Oct. 31.

On the morning of July 19, 2023, Rodney followed his sister into the bathroom of their East Harlem apartment and repeatedly stabbed her as she prepared to take a shower, prosecutors said.

The girl called out for her mother and ran into her bedroom. Rodney followed and then wrestled her to the floor, where he continued stabbing her. At that point, their mother, who was in the room, called 911 and tried to intervene, per the release.

Rodney stopped once he noticed Shayla was unresponsive and he left the apartment. Minutes later, he was arrested by police in front of the building.

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First responders found Shayla inside with multiple stab wounds to her chest, neck, face, head, hands and back, per the release. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police also recovered a bloody knife from the scene.

Prosecutors said the siblings had an “ongoing conflict” over Rodney’s “alleged acts of violence.”

“No family should ever have to experience this type of horrific and traumatic conduct,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said in the release. “I sincerely hope that Shayla Johnson’s family and loved ones can heal and recover from this devastating tragedy.”