Driver Indicted In City Hall Pedestrian Death
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A speeding car crashes into a busy sidewalk at City Hall and kills a well known employee. Exactly one month later, the driver is hit with a list of charges.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the grand jury indictment.
Johnny Johnson faces eight criminal charges, including vehicular homicide, after that tragic crash outside City Hall.
A heartbreaking crash, steps from the front doors of City Hall. Police say a black Acura was speeding, going more than 100 miles per hour, when it struck and killed city finance supervisor Matthew Hersl.
"Every day is a challenge. We love and miss Matt so much," said Steve Hersl, victim's brother.
The driver behind the wheel, 43-year-old Johnny Johnson. Investigators say they found cocaine and heroine inside his car and believe Johnson was high.
The day of the crash, Johnson was treated and released from a local hospital. He was arrested six days later.
Now, a grand jury has indicted Johnson on nine criminal charges, including vehicular homicide. Legal expert Bryon Warnken says if convicted, Johnson could face just a few years in jail.
"He's probably looking at 14 years, maybe a little more, but probably 14. Will he get 14? I don't know, probably not. He'll probably negotiate that down to five years," said Warnken.
For the Hersl family, they have faith in the justice system.
"Nothing brings my brother back," said Steve Hersl.
Matt--a community activist in his Little Italy neighborhood, and a huge Orioles fan. He'd worked for the city for 28 years.
"Matt touched so many people's lives, and I'm just trying to continue what he did," his brother said.
This, as they try to make sense of the tragic loss.
Johnny Johnson is being held on $250,000 bond.
According to court records, Johnson spent time behind bars for drug distribution and burglary in 2002.
