DETROIT (WXYZ) — Two Detroit men have been charged in the June murder of a gay man.
Prosecutors have charged Anthony Brock, 28, and Darnell Wilson, 30, in the death of Diano Johnson. The charges include first-degree murder, felony murder, armed robbery, carjacking, unlawful imprisonment, felon in possession of a firearm, and six counts use of firearm in the commission of a felony. Brock also got a separate charge for arson.
On June 19, Brock planned to meet Johnson after the two met on Facebook. Detroit police say Brock allegedly locked Johnson in the trunk of his own car, then drove to pick up Wilson. The two men then obtained a firearm, drove the car to an east side location, dragged Johnson out of the trunk and shot him multiple times.
The following morning, Brock set the car on fire, burning his own legs in the process.
Detroit police discovered Johnson's body on June 21, which led to the arrest of Brock on June 25 and Wilson on July 12.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office assigned the case to Special Prosecutor Jaimie Powell Horowitz of the Fair Michigan Justice Program. The program assists Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving serious crimes against LGBTQ persons.
“When members of Detroit’s LGBTQ community are targets of violence, the Fair Michigan Justice Project is ready to vigorously prosecute these cases," says Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire. "These horrifying allegations demonstrate the ongoing need for determined efforts to bring justice for all.”
Brock and Wilson will be arraigned Friday, July 19.
