Man pleads guilty to murder in Edmondson Village Shopping Center mass shooting

A man is set to be sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a mass shooting that killed one high school student and wounded four others in the Edmondson Village Shopping Center in 2023, an act of violence that ignited outrage and sparked calls for change.

Bryan Johnson appeared Friday before Baltimore Circuit Judge Lynn Stewart Mays for trial but instead pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and related crimes in the killing of Deanta Dorsey, a sophomore at Edmondson-Westside High School, according to court records. Dorsey was 16.

Mays is scheduled to sentence Johnson, 20, of Shipley Hill, on Oct. 15 to life, suspending all but 25 years in prison.

Johnson’s attorney, Hunter Pruette, declined to comment.

In a statement, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said while no guilty plea or sentence can “undo the profound loss of life or erase the trauma suffered by the victims and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the resolution ensures that Johnson is held accountable.

Bates said he hopes the plea agreement provides a “measure of closure to the victims and their families, allowing them to begin the long and difficult journey of healing.”

“Our hearts remain with them as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved one,” Bates said, “and we hope that knowing justice has been secured provides some comfort during this incredibly painful time.”

Prosecutors allege that Johnson and his cousin, Daaon Spears, walked to a Popeyes in the shopping center on Jan. 4, 2023, opened fire and took off.

At the time of the shooting, Johnson was 16.

Earlier this year, Spears, 20, of Edmondson Village, was found not guilty of first-degree murder and related offenses in the case.

Dorsey was a quiet and loving child who liked playing basketball and video games, according to his obituary. His favorite meal was cereal and milk, and loved ones affectionally called him “Dink.”

Johnson is being held in the Metropolitan Transition Center without bail while he awaits sentencing.