Shivangi Sinha
In November 2021, police responded to reports of a shooting in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Upon arrival, they discovered Jaden Ramirez with a gunshot wound to the head while his then-girlfriend, Emmalou Johnson, was in a state of distress. The latter claimed the shooting was accidental, but a few months later, she faced charges of second-degree murder. She provided a detailed account of the incident and insisted she had no intention of harming the boy she loved. A&E’s episode of ‘Accused: Guilty or Innocent?’ titled ‘Killer Teen or Fatal Accident,’ explores the case in the episode and delves into the investigation and Emmalou’s subsequent trial.
Emmalou Johnson Claimed That She Never Intended to Shoot Her Boyfriend
Emmalou Johnson originally hails from Meridian, Mississippi, and later moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, with her mother, Crystal Carlisle. She was known for being a kind-hearted and family-oriented girl and always maintained a close relationship with her loved ones, especially her grandfather, Steve Carlisle. She had a good group of friends and was committed to growing into a responsible young adult. In June 2021, started taking on the responsibilities that come with adulthood and began working at a Subway. By November 2021, she had been in a two-year relationship with 18-year-old Jayden Paul Ramirez.
Deeply in love, the couple affectionately called each other “fiancé” and often talked about their plans to marry and spend the rest of their lives together. On the evening of November 13, 2021, emergency services were called to Jayden’s home in Julia Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He had been shot in the face, just above his eyebrow, with a .22 caliber pistol. Emmalou, who was also at the scene, was visibly distraught and in tears. When questioned by the police, she explained that the shooting was accidental. According to Emmalou, she had been lying on top of Jayden as they playfully talked. During their conversation, she felt something against her leg, wedged between the bed and the wall.
Upon picking it up, Emmalou said she realized it was a gun, though she couldn’t see it clearly due to the darkness. She claimed that as she attempted to move the gun from her left hand to her right, it accidentally discharged and resulted in the fatal shot that struck Jayden. She was initially charged with aggravated second-degree battery. Although Jayden was rushed to the hospital, the gunshot wound proved fatal, and he passed away on November 16, 2021, three days after the incident. During the investigation, one of the paramedics who treated Jayden at the scene said that Jayden had allegedly claimed Emmalou shot him because he had admitted to cheating on her.
Following this statement, Emmalou was brought in for questioning, accompanied by her mother, since she was only 16 at the time. While being interrogated, she explained that Jayden had been teasing her about cheating, but she believed it was in a playful manner. In response, she had jokingly picked up the gun and said, “If you were…” as a lighthearted threat. She then demonstrated to the officers how she transferred the gun from one hand to the other, maintaining that she had no idea it was loaded and never intended for it to discharge.
Emmalou Johnson Was Acquitted After a Long Trial
In November 2021, the charges against Emmalou Johnson were elevated to second-degree murder. By April 2022, she was formally indicted as an adult. Following her indictment, she was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. However, she was released the same day after posting a $550k bail. Her family quickly secured legal representation and began preparing for the trial. Emmalou’s statements to the police remained consistent throughout the investigation, which strengthened her case. During a pre-trial hearing in 2023, her defense team argued that her arrest was unjustified, asserting that there was no probable cause for the charges. After reviewing the case, the judge agreed that she should not have been arrested.
In March 2024, Emmalou’s bench trial commenced. During the proceedings, her defense team argued that when Jayden Ramirez was shot, the door to the room was open, and several members of his family were present in the house. They pointed out that none of the family members reported hearing any arguments or signs of a fight between the young couple, which suggested there was no evidence of a violent confrontation. The prosecution, however, presented testimony from two paramedics and two EMTs who had treated Jayden. They claimed that Jayden had mentioned Emmalou being angry, which implied a possible motive. Despite this, after just over an hour of deliberation, the judge reached a verdict. On March 19, 2024, Emmalou Johnson was found not guilty and acquitted of the second-degree murder charge.
Emmalou Johnson is Engaged and Looking Forward to Her New Life Today
Since her acquittal, Emmalou Johnson has been focusing on regaining a sense of normalcy in her life while continuing to live in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her family and friends have been her greatest support system and have offered comfort and encouragement in the months following the trial. In 2024, she took a major step forward and got engaged. While she has kept most details about her engagement private, it’s evident that she’s entering an exciting new chapter with the love of her life. She remains employed at Subway and values the independence and stability that come with her work. With a long life ahead, Emmalou is determined to make the most of it. Surrounded by loved ones and embracing new beginnings, she looks forward to what the future holds for her.
Read More: Kaitlyn Conley: Where is Mary Yoder’s Accused Killer Now?
