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Johnson and Matthew Marshall, 18, of the 2900 block of Marlin Drive in Wright City, were charged with ambushing people at a New Year's Eve party and stabbing two male subjects when they arrived brandishing bats and knives, according to a caller who made the 911 call at 12:51 a.m. on Jan. 1 notifying authorities to the incident.
The fatal stabbing occurred in the 13000 block of Bobwhite Lane in Wright City.
By the time authorities arrived, Fernando A. Melgar, a 31-year-old Hispanic male from the 30000 block of Sherry Drive, was dead. He was stabbed several times in the chest, abdomen and back.
Johnson received 103 years overall, but the sentences will run concurrently. He also was charged with two counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and first-degree burglary.
"It was a tragic situation that got out of hand," Warren County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wright said. "The result of this was the young man committed some acts and made the decision that cost one man's life. There are consequences and responsibilities for that. Mr. Johnson will have a considerable amount of time to look back on his actions."
A second victim, identified as 45-year-old Raymond Post, who lived at the residence where the party was being held, also was stabbed. He was transported by ARCH helicopter to a St. Louis hospital.
Post had his spleen removed, his liver was damaged and his lung was punctured, authorities said.
According to the police report, Marshall and Johnson showed up at the party when a female friend called them because she didn't like the way she was being treated.
A third suspect, a juvenile, also has been implicated in the case, according to Wright.
Johnson and Marshall were taken into custody later that morning at separate locations. Authorities said Johnson was apprehended by St. Peters police on Interstate 70 near the Fifth Street exit in St. Charles. Marshall was arrested near Houston, Mo., in Texas County.
Johnson was represented by Thomas Crocco Jr.
On Aug. 31, Marshall pled guilty to the same charges.
A formal sentencing has yet to be scheduled for Marshall. He has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and provide testimony if needed in the case against the juvenile suspect who has yet to be certified as an adult, Wright said.
Both Johnson and Marshall had prior criminal histories. Johnson was sentenced in 2008 to two years of probation for driving while intoxicated. Marshall was on probation for two years for third-degree assault and another five years for second-degree burglary.
