State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced that a Duval County jury has found 23-year-old Giovanni Jirah Johnson guilty of armed burglary, kidnapping with a firearm, and two counts of sexual battery for his involvement in the 2021 home invasion and rape of a University of North Florida student. With the verdict, Johnson faces a potential life sentence in Florida State Prison. Sentencing will take place at a later date before the Honorable Jeb Branham.
The incident occurred on April 16, 2021, when Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a college student reporting a rape in her St. Johns Bluff Road South apartment. The victim had noticed Johnson sitting on the stairs near her apartment before he disappeared. Upon returning to her apartment, she heard noises in her bedroom and discovered Johnson there, armed with a handgun. He threatened to shoot her and forced her into her bedroom where he sexually assaulted her.
When the victim’s roommates returned home, Johnson fled the scene. One of the roommates pursued him, but Johnson threatened to shoot, then fled on a black-and-orange scooter. Officers later recovered Johnson’s helmet from nearby bushes.
The following day, officers investigating a crash on Beach Boulevard spotted a black-and-orange scooter and detained Johnson, who was positively identified by a witness. DNA evidence, including samples from the helmet, matched Johnson’s.
The investigation was conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Terence Martin and Erin Wolfson.
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