HICKORY, N.C. — A man in Catawba County will spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty in the stabbing death of a cab driver.
Camyron Johnson apologized for his role in the slaying after entering his guilty plea.
The victim's sister stood just feet from Johnson as she described the pain he and four others involved in the robbery and murder have caused her family to go through.
"You did this to us. How do you feel? You're a cold-blooded killer -- that's what you are, Camyron, you're a cold-blooded killer," said Stephanie Patrick.
In August 2011, Adam Williams, who worked for the Yellow Cab Company in Hickory, went to pick up a fare and was subsequently robbed and killed by two men who got into the cab.
Police said less than $40 was taken. Johnson admitted to being in the cab that night but claims his co-defendant, Matthew Hopkins, committed the murder.
"We deserve to know why you killed my brother. Can't you answer just one question and tell us why?" Patrick asked.
Some of Williams' family members plugged their ears as Johnson talked.
"I wish I could go back and change what happened that night, but unfortunately I am not able to do so, so all I can ask for is forgiveness, and that God will give you peace," Johnson said.
Prosecutors said one witness said they saw Johnson go over to the cab with the knife that is believed to be the murder weapon. But Johnson's attorneys said he passed a polygraph test about the actual killing.
Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was given a life sentence. He is also required to pay $16,500 in restitution.
Two teens involved in the murder, Emily Starnes and Consandra Tyree, pleaded guilty to four felonies, including armed robbery and obstruction of justice for lying to police, in November.
Two other indicted in the homicide, Hopkins and Robert McElwee, have not been tried yet in the case. Hopkins is scheduled to go before a judge in September.
WSOC
