This petition has been created by loved ones on behalf of Mr. Kenny Ferdinand Johnson, who is currently incarcerated at Maryland Correctional Institute in Hagerstown, Maryland. In 1993, Mr. Johnson was convicted by a jury in Baltimore City Maryland of first-degree murder. The State of Maryland presented no physical evidence linking him, Mr. Johnson to this crime.

The victim who was allegedly shot by Mr. Johnson was taken to University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore after he was wounded, he was treated for his injury and later released. Nearly three months later, he returned to University of Maryland Medical Center where he later died. Two months after his death, Mr. Johnson was arrested for first-degree murder. On the day Mr. Johnson was arrested, this was the first contact he had with any Baltimore city law enforcement officials regarding this incident. “First-degree murder is defined as an unlawful killing that is both willful and premeditated, meaning that it was committed after planning or "lying in wait" for the victim”. This was clearly not the case here.

The victim was interviewed prior to his death by the police and acknowledged that he didn't know who shot him. His family filed a lawsuit and was awarded a settlement against University of Maryland Medical Center for medical malpractice and not upholding to the standard of care. Despite the discovery of this new evidence, the State of Maryland has repeatedly denied a new trial and refused to review any new evidence. This case has been clearly permeated by false accusations, an ineffective display of counsel, and a clear absence of morality. Mr. Johnson has served twenty-eight years in prison for a crime he did not commit, a crime that he is innocent of.

In 2019, the Maryland Parole Commission recommended his release from prison, his recommendation was then sent to the desk of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Governor Larry Hogan denied his release without any clear explanation to Mr. Johnson or his family. Maryland is one of the three states out of fifty that requires approval of the Governor even after a Parole Commission recommends a prisoner’s release. During his incarceration Mr. Johnson has been a role model inmate, received his GED, has a stable support system, a place to reside upon his release and had a job opportunity awaiting him. He is currently employed by Maryland Correctional Enterprises as a steelworker.

We, the undersigned, believe it is a great travesty of justice to deny Mr. Johnson the chance to a new trial or the opportunity to be free. We are asking the State of Maryland and Governor Larry Hogan to grant the release of Mr. Johnson so he can be reunited with his family. There are many who have awaited his release: his only child, Ms. Tykeisha Johnson, his mother who is now 89 years old and his family who have stood by him all these years.

We are asking for Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to please review the facts and evidence of this case and request that the charges against Mr. Johnson be rescinded or a new trial be ordered on his behalf.