November 30, 2020
By News Director Jared Atha
The man accused of taking part in a botched armed robbery that saw his partner die, has been formally charged in Beckham County District Court with first degree murder.
25-year-old Isaiah Johnson was arrested November 22 for his role in the crime.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the shooting took place in the early morning hours of November 21, when Johnson along with 39-year-old Samuel Castro Junior had entered a home in the 600 block of N. Watkins in Elk City, approaching the victim in his bedroom. The victim would say that Castro would point a gun at his head and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the homeowner would successfully overpower and take the gun from Castro and stated that he shot Castro multiple times until he fell to the floor. Castro died at the scene. The homeowner stated that Johnson would flee the home.
Later, police were contacted by the Great Plains Regional Medical Center to report a man that was being treated for a gunshot wound to the chest and arm. The man, Johnson, was treated and released to the Elk City Police where he was transported to the Elk City Police Department for questioning.
Police say after a lengthy interview, Johnson would allegedly confess the he knew that Castro had a handgun before entering into the home. Johnson would tell police that he was inside the room where the shooting occurred and would flee the scene after being shot in the chest and arm. He stated that he then walked to the hospital for treatment.
Johnson was formally charged with the felony charge on Wednesday.
As of press time, a court date has not been scheduled.
