Verdict reached in Knox City father’s trial for toddler’s death

KNOX COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — A Knox County jury of eight women and four men has returned its unanimous verdict in the trial of a Knox City father related to the fatal shooting of his 1-year-old daughter in March 2024.

The jury found Brian Keith Johnson, 40, of Knox City, guilty on one count of criminally negligent homicide and one count of endangering a child stemming from the death of his daughter, Alicia Johnson, on March 28, 2024.

The jury delivered the verdict on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at around 2:15 p.m. Jurors deliberated for fewer than 15 minutes.

Both charges Johnson was convicted of are state jail felony offenses, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in prison.

Johnson elected for the jury to set his punishment. Now, the same eight women and four men will be tasked with determining a sentence for Johnson.

The punishment phase of Johnson’s trial is now underway in the 50th Judicial District Courtroom in the Knox County Courthouse in Benjamin, Texas.