As I previously reported, Ryan Cameron of the Ryan Cameron Show (V-103) broke the news of arrests which led to information in the 2-year-old murder case of rap artist T.I.’s personal assistant. According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, two men were arrested today in Cincinnati.
Hosea Thomas, 34, and Pardon Thomas, 40, were each indicted on charges of murder and felonious assault in the shooting death of Philant Johnson. 4 others were injured in the May 3, 2006 shooting which took place following a dispute at Club Ritz involving rap artists T.I. and Yung Joc.
Some time after T.I.’s entourage left the club, the assailants pulled alongside their vehicles and opened fire with automatic weapons. Three men in one van were hit and a female in another van was injured in the drive by.
Philant Johnson, 26, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. T.I.’s childhood friend was 26-years-old.
According to Cincinnati Homicide Detective Tim Gormly, solving the case wasn’t easy, Gormly said. “We had trouble identifying the suspects due to (the shooting) happening in a moving car and there weren’t a whole lot of witnesses that saw the actual shooting.”
Eventually, little by little, the pieces came together, Gormly said, but even when detectives identified the Thomas brothers, months went by before there was sufficient evidence to charge them.
Since the shooting, Johnson’s family has called frequently looking for answers, Gormly said. Wednesday night, he finally had news that may bring closure to his mourning mother.
“A family that keeps in touch over two years – you know they really care for Philant,” Gormly said. “So yeah, it feels good to give them the news.” (Source)
Thanks to Style Razzi for the tip!
