Jury returns verdict in Evansville teen’s murder case

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The trial for an 18-year-old accused of murder in a 2021 shooting began Monday.

The jury began deliberating Tuesday, and we’re told they have found Samajui Barnes guilty of murder and on a firearms enhancement.

He’s accused of shooting 37-year-old Johnathan Stitts to death in October 2021.

Evansville Police say they arrived at Parrett Street near Haynie’s Corner after a report of gunshots.

They say they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds in the 1300 block just after 8 a.m.

[Previous Story: EPD: 17-year-old facing murder charges following deadly shooting on Parrett St.]

That man was later identified as Stitts.

Barnes was 17 years old at the time of the murder, but he was tried as an adult.

Sentencing is set for Sept. 8 for 9 a.m.

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