Gibbons sentenced to life without parole

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Emanuel County Superior Court with Judge Robert S. (Bobby) Reeves presiding, John Gibbons was sentenced to life without parole in the fatal shooting of Darius Tashon Johnson, age 31, of Swainsboro.

On the evening of April 19, 2023, at approximately 4:56 p.m., officers of the Swainsboro Police Department responded to shots fired on New Street. Upon arrival, officers observed a black male lying on the roadway. Additional officers, along with medical staff, were on scene just minutes later. Medical first responders began providing aid to the male subject as officers began to secure the scene and talk to witnesses.

The victim was air lifted to Augusta University Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries. The agency received news at 9:09 p.m. that the victim succumbed from his injuries.

On Friday, April 21, at 4:30 p.m. a first appearance hearing was held for Gibbons, age 57, before Honorable Judge Reeves in the Emanuel County Superior Courtroom. During his hearing, Gibbons was charged with felony murder during the commission of an armed robbery without the possibility of bond.

The following Monday, April 24, 2023, a first appearance hearing was held for the second suspect in this investigation, Dwight Dietangion Nixon, age 38, before Honorable Judge Reeves in the Emanuel County Superior Courtroom. Nixon was charged with felony murder with no discussion of bond. He is currently awaiting his sentencing.