Who’s who
Derrick Sparks: victim, died that morning as a result of injuries inflicted by Johnson
Tyrone Johnson: aggressor at all times, ambush attack on Sparks, turns same weapon on Branch
Edgar Branch: the second victim on this morning, forced to defend himself from Johnson, then charged with his murder
Victor Novene: black inmate closest to the entire altercation (the only one in gray long sleeve shirt and white pants) – testified that Johnson said “go get your knife,” that Branch “didn’t want to do it,” that Branch never stated any intention of killing Johnson, nor did Novene feel that was Branch’s intention, and hit Branch with a broom by the showers – no sentence reduction given and inmate testified truthfully, knowing there would be no credit given, and potentially placing himself at risk by doing so
John Ward: white inmate in close proximity to the incident – heard Johnson say “go get your shit,” seen in video holding half gallon cooler/cup – no sentence reduction, potential harm to himself by testifying
Michael Henderson: white inmate wearing cap, threw trashcan to distract Johnson during the assault, had been released from Pollock and came to testify from another state on Branch’s behalf
John “Cowboy” Hudson: (seen shirtless and in boots in the video) claims he was scared and threatened by Branch, but interaction on video is brief and does not support that, Branch was never in Cowboy’s cell as he stated, Cowboy was waiting outside of cell with knife, quickly exited the unit, never speaking to Sparks, and is the only witness who claims to have heard a racial statement by Branch as he was leaving the unit, a variation of a statement heard by the guard escorting Branch out, but more menacing and inflammatory, was upset about a 2 year sentence in solitary for providing the knife, was placed in the same room with other government witnesses immediately preceding his testimony – this inmate received a 10 year sentence reduction for his testimony, and is a convicted sexual predator in the state of Florida
Alexander Blackmon: black inmate who was always at least 100 feet away from the initial altercation, in his cell as it started, clearly identified by himself in video as he is the only one putting on a belt and is the only one who “heard” Branch ask for the “butcher” – even Hudson didn’t say this and he gave Branch the knife. Also stated Branch said, “I’m fixing to kill him”, something NOBODY else much closer heard, says Johnson told Branch he “was going to spare him”, another statement not heard anyone in closer proximity, changed his statement from what was given at the Grand Jury, received an 18 year sentenced reduction and transferred to another facility at his request
Jaysson Brown: government witness, not in the video…why? because he wasn’t even at Pollock during this incident, yet was allowed to testify against Branch, received a sentence reduction, was released from BOP custody into state prison.
