Ross Johnson, MMA fighter, pleads not guilty to manslaughter charge in death of U.S. Airman
Ross Johnson, a mixed martial arts fighter, accused of manslaughter in the death of a United States Airman is formally pleading not guilty.
Ross Allen Johnson, 23, of Carterville, Illinois, did not appear at Monday’s arraignment at the Bay County Courthouse in Panama City, Florida.
Two months ago, Johnson was charged with manslaughter in the death of Air Force Airman 1st Class Dayvon Larry, 31, of Malone, Florida.
Johnson already filed a waiver of presence and a written plea of not guilty two days after the victim’s death.
According to Panama City Beach Police, the fight started inside the Coyote Ugly Bar on Front Beach Road back on April 10.
Bar security told participants to leave, but investigators said the fight resumed in the parking lot.
Larry was reportedly running across the parking lot to help a friend when Johnson allegedly ran up behind Larry and punched him in the back of the head. The blow was fatal.
Prosecutors state they will not be offering a plea deal to Johnson, and he won’t go on trial until next year.
Police identified Johnson as an MMA fighter. A search on Tapology.com shows two amateur MMA, and one professional with the name Ross Johnson.
