A Manhattan man has been sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for the murder and dismemberment of his ex-girlfriend, D’Asia Johnson. Justin Williams, 27, was found guilty of killing Johnson, 22, inside her East New York apartment on Aug. 21, 2022.
Prosecutors stated that Williams stabbed Johnson multiple times before dismembering her body with a meat cleaver. He then concealed her remains in garbage bags within the apartment for nearly a month. During this period, Williams reportedly used cleaning products to mask the odor of the decomposing body and kept the apartment windows open. He continued to reside in Johnson’s apartment, impersonated her to call out of work to maintain her paychecks, and used her public benefits for personal expenses, including food and hiring prostitutes.
Williams also brought his young son to the apartment while Johnson’s remains were present. Johnson’s family became concerned when they could not reach her. Her remains were discovered after building staff conducted a wellness check and alerted the police.
Records indicate that Williams and Johnson had been in a relationship for several years, during which he had a history of abuse. Johnson had an active order of protection against Williams at the time of her death, requiring him to stay away from her.
In a June jury trial, Williams was convicted of second-degree murder, concealment of a human corpse, fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree criminal impersonation, and fifth-degree welfare fraud.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated that Johnson experienced horrific violence and that Williams demonstrated a profound disregard for her life and her loved ones’ search for her. He added that the sentence holds Williams accountable and expressed hope that Johnson’s family can find solace and justice.