Lithonia Man Convicted of Murder and Evidence Tampering

On February 14, 2025, a DeKalb County jury convicted 28-year-old Earnest Lee Johnson of multiple charges, including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Second-Degree Arson, and Concealing the Death of Another. These charges stem from the December 28, 2020, death of 23-year-old Chanceler McCall in unincorporated Decatur, Georgia.

The investigation revealed that Johnson fatally shot McCall and attempted to destroy evidence by setting fire to vehicles and using a hose to wash away blood at the crime scene. Johnson’s Pontiac G6 was found burned behind a Conyers shopping center, with traces of an accelerant in the front seat. Additionally, McCall’s Dodge Challenger was discovered abandoned and burned approximately a mile and a half from the shooting site.

Johnson’s internet history indicated searches related to self-defense and homicide definitions in the days leading up to the crime. He was arrested on March 10, 2021, and has been held in custody since.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Tauri Williams, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Laura James, District Attorney Investigator Rashad Rawlings, and Supervising Victim Advocate Millicent Taylor. DeKalb County Police Department Detective Collins led the initial investigation.

Sentencing for Johnson is scheduled for a future court date.