SARASOTA, Florida. – Latoya Johnson was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for murdering a man two years ago at Patellini’s restaurant in downtown Sarasota, authorities said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the 12th Judicial District said a jury found Johnson guilty on July 12, 2024, of first-degree murder with a firearm, tampering with evidence and carrying a concealed firearm.
According to authorities, Johnson shot Alain Sierra at Patellini’s Pizza around 1:45 a.m. on January 1, 2022. Police said video from inside the restaurant showed Johnson shooting Sierra.
Courtesy: Sarasota Police Department
Investigators said Johnson appeared to be sitting at a table against the wall with other people. The victim and his family were sitting on an outdoor patio, police said.
Investigators said one of the victim’s relatives appeared to be drunk when he came in and passed Johnson’s table. The man was seen becoming ill and vomiting on someone sitting with Johnson.
PREVIOUS: A convicted felon was arrested in Sarasota following a fatal shooting at a pizzeria on New Year’s Day, police said
“The group stood up, approached the family member and a fight broke out,” a press release said. “In the video, Johnson can be seen holding a black firearm in his right hand and kicking people on the ground. At the same time, the victim can be seen running toward the fight and trying to defend his family by hitting Johnson in the head.”
PREVIOUS: Video shows man vomiting near suspect before fatal shooting, police say
Sarasota police said the convicted felon was arrested after shooting a man who tried to defend his relative at a pizzeria.
Johnson then shot the victim, police said. He was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he died.
According to officials, police arrested Johnson almost immediately after the incident when she ran and tried to hide the murder weapon in a potted plant on Second Street near Whole Foods.
Prosecutors said Johnson also pleaded guilty before sentencing to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon during the same incident at Patellini’s.
During an interview with detectives, Johnson said that despite her numerous felony convictions, she always carried a gun with her.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
