The Texas County prosecutor is appealing the sentence for a man involved in a Christmas Day incident last year.
Paul L. Johnson, 25, was convicted by a jury on charges of fourth-degree assault, first-degree trespassing and second-degree harassment, all misdemeanors. He received a total of 2.5 years in a sentencing on Dec. 3 and was given credit for time served.
He also received a two-year suspended execution of sentence by Judge William Hickle. Texas County Prosecutor Parke Stevens Jr. appealed that to the Missouri Court of Appeals on Dec. 5.
Authorities were notified at about 11 a.m. Dec. 25, 2024 that a resident of the Stillman Drive house and an unknown man were fighting.
Johnson, according to the homeowner, had first arrived at the house at 5 a.m. and was escorted off the property after voicing gibberish. About six hours later, the suspect returned and was banging on a door. The homeowner met the man with a .12-gauge shotgun at a door.
The victim told authorities that he attempted to fire at Johnson, but the weapon didn’t discharge when he pulled the trigger, according to a report. A physical fight ensued between the men as the victim’s wife and children stayed inside.
Eventually, Johnson departed, running along a fence line as the homeowner shot multiple shells into the ground, according to a Texas County Sheriff’s Department deputy. A state trooper identified the suspect’s location.