From the start, the case had strong racial overtones. Johnson was black; the two officers were white. And Johnson, who was 15, said the officers were beating him while questioning him about a petty theft. He said he snatched the gun of one officer and fired because he feared for his life. His testimony struck a chord in Prince George's County, where the Police Department had been criticized over allegations of brutality and racism. He was convicted of one count of voluntary manslaughter and using a handgun in the commission of a felony, the death of Claggett. He was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity in Swart's death.

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