Man charged with double murder in Lincoln asks all Lancaster County judges to recuse themselves

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A man charged in a Lincoln double murder is asking that all Lancaster County judges recuse themselves and that the case be reassigned to another county.

Christopher Johnson, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the outdoor killings of 39-year-old Carlos Silva and 40-year-old Terrell Jones The Office Gentlemen’s Club on May 25.

Last monthJohnson’s lawyer had asked Judge Kevin McManaman to recuse himself because his bailiff had been listed as a witness in the case. McManaman agreed, and the case was transferred to Judge Matthew Mellor.

Johnson’s attorney has since moved to have all judges in Lancaster County recused, arguing that the judges’ familiarity with judicial officers raises concerns about their impartiality.

Judge Mellor has not yet heard the case, but heard arguments during a hearing on Thursday. He has given the state until November 7 to respond, after which Johnson can respond before November 12. If the request is approved, the case will be transferred to another province.

Johnson could face the death penalty if convicted.

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