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Jury acquits Darren Johnson of aggravated assault and injury to an elderly man
Summary
A Bexar County jury found Darren Johnson not guilty on charges that he used his pickup as a deadly weapon and injured a 78-year-old neighbor during a dispute over trash bins; Judge Stephanie Boyd read the jury charge before deliberations.
A jury in the 187th District Court in Bexar County acquitted Darren Johnson of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and injury to an elderly individual after deliberations in a trial that focused on whether Johnson intentionally struck 78‑year‑old Mark Wayne Clanton with his pickup.
Judge Stephanie Boyd read the jury charge and instructed jurors on the elements for aggravated assault, the lesser included offense of misdemeanor deadly conduct, and injury to an elderly person, then sent them to deliberate. The jury returned unanimous not‑guilty verdicts on both counts and on the lesser included offense.
The prosecution told jurors the key disputes were Johnson’s mental state and whether the vehicle amounted to a deadly weapon, arguing the defendant “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” caused bodily injury and that the truck was used in a manner capable of causing serious harm. Assistant District Attorney Megan Galloway emphasized the victim’s age and the photo evidence of an abrasion to his knee and urged jurors to find Johnson guilty on both counts.
Defense counsel argued the contact was accidental, that video evidence could be misread without on‑scene examination and that eyewitness accounts and early responding officers did not conclude criminal conduct. The defense asked jurors to view the incident as an unfortunate accident and to find reasonable doubt on the charged mental states.
Judge Boyd repeatedly instructed jurors on legal definitions they must apply, including definitions of “intentional,” “knowing,” and “reckless,” and warned that the defendant’s decision not to testify could not be used against her. After receiving the supplemental instruction requested by the jury, the court accepted the verdict forms and announced the not‑guilty findings.
The court’s reading of the charge and the jury’s verdict closed the criminal case against Johnson on the counts presented in the indictment. No sentencing or further action on these counts remains following the jury’s not‑guilty determinations.
