Jury finds 2 guilty in July 2024 I-65 shooting

LEBANON, Ind. (WISH) — A Boone County jury on Wednesday found a man and a woman guilty for their roles in a road rage highway shooting that occurred on I-65 in July 2024.

James O. Brown, 45, was convicted of attempted murder and aggravated assault. Kendra Johnson-Brown, 45, was convicted of aiding aggravated battery. The attempted murder charge against Johnson-Brown was dismissed by the court after the presentation of evidence due to insufficient evidence in the record to support the allegation that she possessed the specific intent to commit murder.

The verdict followed a three-day trial presided over by Boone County Circuit Judge Lori Schein.

On July 3, 2024, Brown, a passenger in a vehicle driven by Johnson-Brown, fired a shot at a semi truck while traveling northbound on I-65. Witness testimony revealed that Johnson-Brown was driving aggressively and pursued the semitruck, which was driven by Nathan Justus. Once alongside the truck, Brown extended his arm out the passenger window and fired a shot, striking Justus in the head.

Justus suffered a severe traumatic injury brain injury that nearly claimed his life.

The investigation broke open when law enforcement obtained video footage from highway cameras, which helped identify the suspect vehicle. Over the following weeks, investigators executed more than 20 search warrants to gather evidence.

Brown and Johnson-Brown were arrested on July 25, 2024.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Boone County Circuit Court.

Statements

“We are grateful to the jury for their service and thoughtful verdict. This case was never about an accident or self-defense—it was about a person who had a tantrum with a trigger, and the driver who helped him carry it out.”

Andrew Emhardt, Boone County deputy prosecutor.

“I am extremely proud of our trial team and the case they presented. I’m also deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts and outstanding investigation conducted by the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department and its investigators. Today’s verdict is a testament to the unwavering commitment of WMPD and the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure justice for the victim, his family, and our community. This was truly a team effort, and we know our jobs are not over as we prepare for the sentencing hearing in September.

Kent Eastwood, Boone County prosecutor.

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