Yuma Marine found guilty of murder

On Monday, Eric Johnson was found guilty in the shooting death of 20-year old Sara Mutschlechner a University of North Texas student. The case stems from a shooting that happened on January 1, 2016 after a New Year’s party in Denton Texas. At the time Johnson was in the Marine Corps. stationed in Yuma; and was on leave at the time of the incident.

According to witness accounts after the party Sara Mutschlechner and her friends left the home when an SUV started to follow them. Witnesses reported that the driver and passengers in the SUV began to yell vulgarly at the passengers in Sara’s car. The driver of the SUV then fired two shots into Sara’s car striking her and causing her to crash. The SUV then sped off; but not before being caught on several security cameras.

According to reports Johnson then returned to Yuma where he worked as an Administrative Specialist on base. After Johnson was identified as the shooter and located the U.S. Marshal’s Office contacted MCAS Base Police and Johnson was then handed over and transported back to Texas to stand trial. According to his defense, Johnson never meant to shoot anyone; but the prosecution used his training against him. Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for later this week; he could face life in prison.