On January 6, 2024, about 4:00 a.m., Raleigh officers responded to a reported shooting at the Checkmate Lounge at 2200 East Millbrook Road. Two men inside had gunshot wounds; 27-year-old Christian Johnson sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim was taken to a local hospital in serious condition.

On January 8, 2024, police announced the arrest of 29-year-old Jamal Johnson of Tarboro in connection with the incident. He was charged with murder in Christian Johnson’s death and felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury for the other victim’s wounds; authorities said he was taken into custody without incident and released a booking photo. The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been fully disclosed and the investigation remains ongoing. A memorial service for Christian Johnson was scheduled for February 4, 2024, at Lea Funeral Home Chapel in Raleigh.

If anyone has information about the shooting or witnessed events at the Checkmate Lounge that morning, please contact Crimestoppers with any tips.