Clayton County Man Convicted in Fatal 2019 High-Speed Crash That Killed Best Friend

Clayton County District Attorney Tasha M. Mosley announced the conviction of Louis Johns following a jury trial. Johns was found guilty of Homicide by Vehicle Second Degree, three counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle, and Reckless Driving.

The charges stemmed from a crash on October 27, 2019, on I-75 South near Grant Parkway. Evidence presented at trial showed Johns was driving a Kia at 91 mph in a 65 mph zone, striking and killing his best friend, Darius Scott, injuring passengers in the vehicle, and causing serious injury to a bystander. Data from the vehicle’s electronic recorder indicated Johns did not slow down or brake until the airbags deployed.

The trial, which ran from September 15–24, 2025, included testimony from a Collision and Reconstruction expert. Assistant District Attorneys Sheila Francois and Lauren Young prosecuted the case with support from Major Case Investigator Luis Gomez, Investigator Cedric Rawls, and Victim Advocate Kennedy Smith. Georgia Superior Court Judge Aaron Mason presided.

Johns was sentenced to 15 years probated, 10 consecutive weekends in the county jail, restitution, 200 hours of community service, completion of a defensive driving course, and a license suspension as required by state law.

“Though this conviction cannot undo the events that occurred in 2019, we hope it brings some measure of peace to the victims and their families,” said DA Mosley. “It also serves as a powerful reminder of just how dangerous high-speed driving can be.”