Joe Rogan has described allegations that a guest on his podcast, Sheldon Johnson, was arrested for murder just weeks after appearing on "The Joe Rogan Experience." Johnson, who had previously served decades in prison, had discussed his criminal history and expressed a desire to reform his life following his release.
Rogan recounted the events on a recent episode of his podcast, stating that Johnson allegedly killed a man and dismembered his body shortly after his February 2024 appearance. According to Rogan, Johnson "cut a guy's head off" and attempted to conceal the crime.
Johnson was arrested in March 2024 and faced charges including murder, manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon, and concealment of a human corpse, according to the New York Police Department. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The allegations stem from the fatal shooting and dismemberment of 44-year-old Colin Small at his Bronx apartment on March 5. A neighbor reported hearing a man pleading for his life, followed by gunshots, which prompted police to conduct a welfare check.
Investigators discovered a torso and arms in Small's apartment. A subsequent search warrant for Johnson's residence allegedly uncovered the victim's legs and head in a freezer. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Johnson entering and leaving the victim's apartment carrying multiple bags and cleaning supplies, and he was allegedly disguised in a wig, sunglasses, and mask.
Johnson's appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience" was alongside Josh Dubin, a civil rights attorney. During the interview, Johnson spoke about his past, his time in prison, and his efforts toward criminal justice reform. He expressed a desire to change his life and be a better father to his children.
Prior to these allegations, Johnson had served 25 years in prison for attempted murder. His father, Sheldon Johnson Sr., expressed shock at his son's arrest, stating that he believed his son had reformed and was working at a law office.
During his podcast interview, Johnson wore a shirt for Queens Defenders, a public defense organization where he had been employed. His father noted that while he loved his son, he was unsure what had happened and had not been in frequent contact.