PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Ross Johnson has been found not guilty on all counts regarding the 2023 death of Tyndall airman Dayvon Larry.
Johnson was facing manslaughter and aggravated battery charges tied to an altercation at Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City Beach in 2023.
Ross Johnson was facing felony charges for manslaughter and aggravated battery. After hearing the jury’s verdict of not guilty, Johnson immediately hugged his mom.
On Wednesday, Johnson took to the stand defending his actions at the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City Beach in 2023.
“I saw two people putting hands on John Chester and he was lying in the fetal position on the ground defenseless,” Johnson said on the stand.
A bar fight that started inside Coyote Ugly between the friends of Johnson and the victim eventually moved outside. Video shows Johnson and Tyndall Airman Dayvon Larry running toward the fight. That’s when the prosecution said Johnson hit Larry in the back of the head knocking him to the ground.
“A trained MMA fighter for three years but you chose not to do any of those things isn’t that true?” The prosecution asked Johnson. “I did what I needed to do to protect my friend,” Johnson responded.
The Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jay Radtke testified Larry encountered a fatal blow.
Prosecution: “How did Dayvon Larry die?”
Radtke: “A blood head injury.”
Prosecution: “And this was his cause of death?”
Radtke: “Yes, that’s correct.”
Prosecution: “And what was his manner of death?”
Radtke: “Homicide.”
Johnson’s Attorney Robert Malove claims Johnson was defending his friend.
“Ross Johnson and Dayvon Larry are protectors, they’re both protectors,” Malove said in his closing argument. “They’re both their brother’s keepers.”
Ultimately the jury decided Johnson is not guilty. Larry’s family members told NewsChannel7 they have no words after waiting three years for the trial.
“And it’s just sad and we miss him and we love him so much, it’s indescribable,” said Larry’s older sister Shanna Larry.
Both Larry’s sister and nephew, Joshua Hemphill said he inspired them.
“He did a lot in his life; he graduated got a degree became a pharmacist and then decided that wasn’t for him,” Hemphill said. “He changed his entire life on the whim because he wanted to help the community.”
Shanna said all they can do is trust in the Lord.
Previous coverage of the trial can be found here.
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