Jury convicts Johnathon Thomas in 2023 Aloha Bar deadly shooting

A jury has returned a guilty verdict against Johnathon Thomas, 23, for the murder of Justin Smith, 32. After a week-long trial, the jury recommended a sentence of life in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, according to Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna.

“This was an unnecessary and tragic event that took the life of Justin Smith,” Behenna said. “In Oklahoma County, we will fight for victims and hold defendants accountable for their actions. Public safety is my top priority, and we will continue to prosecute those who endanger the citizens of Oklahoma County.”

The charges stem from an incident on June 12, 2023, when Oklahoma City Police were called to the Aloha Bar in the early morning hours following a shooting. Officers arrived to find Smith had been shot in the chest. Despite attempts to perform CPR, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives interviewed two witnesses at the bar, including Thomas. Based on the information gathered, Thomas was arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder.

Thomas is scheduled to be formally sentenced on March 20, 2025