OKLAHOMA CITY – A woman in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, has been found guilty of second-degree murder and harboring a fugitive for the death of Timothy Johnson. The verdict was reached by a local jury on Friday.
Jennifer Gerner was convicted in connection to an incident that took place on November 15, 2022. On that day, Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) officials responded to a call regarding Johnson, who was wanted on a felony warrant from Missouri.
Upon arriving at the scene, Gerner allowed officers to search her trailer for Johnson. During the search, Johnson was discovered hiding under a mattress and began firing shots at the officers. The OKCPD officers returned fire, resulting in Johnson’s death.
District Attorney Greg Mashburn commented on the case, stating that if Gerner had been truthful with law enforcement, the situation could have been avoided. Mashburn praised Assistant District Attorneys John Salmon and Justin Kemp for their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the citizens of Cleveland County. He also expressed gratitude to the officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department, acknowledging the risks they face in their line of work.
The jury recommended a sentence of 10 years for the second-degree murder charge and three years for harboring a fugitive. Gerner is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024.