Man Sentenced for Dismembering Ex-Girlfriend

A man from Manhattan received a 26-year prison sentence on Wednesday for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of his ex-girlfriend. The horrific crime took place in Brooklyn, where he lived with her remains for nearly a month.

Justin Williams, 27, was sentenced in Brooklyn Supreme Court following the brutal killing of 22-year-old Dasia Johnson in her East New York apartment on August 21, 2022.

According to prosecutors, Williams stabbed Johnson multiple times and then used a butcher knife to mutilate her body, hiding the remains in trash bags within her apartment. This shocking behavior continued for almost a month.

During this time, it was reported that he attempted to cover up the smell of decomposition with towels and detergent, leaving windows open while his family was anxiously searching for Johnson.

Williams went as far as to pretend to be Johnson, asking her employer for time off so he could collect her paycheck, which he used to bring prostitutes into the apartment.

Add to that, he misappropriated her public benefits for his own food purchases and even brought his teenage son into the apartment while her body lay decomposing nearby.

Despite his attempts to keep the death hidden from his family, the truth came to light when concerned building staff conducted a welfare check and notified the police.

Williams and Johnson had been in a relationship for several years, during which time he reportedly abused her repeatedly. At the time of her murder, Johnson had an order of protection against him.

In June, Williams was found guilty on multiple charges, including second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse, among others.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stated, “Dasia Johnson suffered horrific violence at the hands of this defendant, who showed a shocking disregard for her life and the love her family held for her.” He expressed hope that the sentencing would bring some comfort to Johnson’s family.