Man accused of double murder in Lincoln asks all Lancaster County judges to recuse themselves

LINCOLN, Neb. (COLN). A man accused of a double homicide in Lincoln is asking that all Lancaster County judges recuse themselves and transfer the case to another county.

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

The last monthJohnson’s attorney asked Judge Kevin McManaman to recuse himself because his bailiff was listed as a witness in the case. McManaman agreed and the case was transferred to Judge Matthew Mellor.

Johnson’s attorney has since sought the recusal of all Lancaster County judges, arguing that the judges’ familiarity with bailiffs raises concerns about their impartiality.

Judge Mellor has yet to take up the matter but heard arguments during a hearing on Thursday. He gave the state until Nov. 7 to respond, after which Johnson has until Nov. 12 to respond. If the request is approved, the case will be transferred to another district.

Johnson could face the death penalty if convicted.

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