Ross Johnson Manslaughter Trial in Panama City, Florida
Former MMA fighter Ross Johnson was found not guilty of manslaughter and aggravated battery on May 20, 2026, in the death of Airman Dayvon Larry. The charges stemmed from a bar fight outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City, Florida, on April 9, 2023. Johnson testified that he was defending a friend and did not intend to harm Larry. The jury deliberated for just over an hour before reaching their verdict, and Larry's family expressed that they felt justice was not served.
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May 2026 — 10 developments
The verdict in the trial of Ross Johnson, who was charged with manslaughter and aggravated battery in the death of Airman Dayvon Larry, was officially reported.
The verdict in the trial of Ross Johnson, who was charged with manslaughter and aggravated battery in the death of Airman Dayvon Larry, was officially reported. Johnson was found not guilty on all charges, concluding the legal proceedings that began after the incident on April 9, 2023.
Following the verdict, members of Dayvon Larry's family expressed their profound disappointment, stating that they felt justice had not been served.
Following the verdict, members of Dayvon Larry's family expressed their profound disappointment, stating that they felt justice had not been served. Their reaction highlighted the emotional impact of the trial and the verdict on the victim's loved ones.
The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on both counts of manslaughter and aggravated battery against Ross Johnson.
The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on both counts of manslaughter and aggravated battery against Ross Johnson. The decision came after a relatively short deliberation period, concluding the trial.
After the presentation of evidence and arguments concluded, the defense rested its case.
After the presentation of evidence and arguments concluded, the defense rested its case. The jury then began their deliberations, tasked with reviewing all the evidence presented during the trial to reach a verdict.
Following Ross Johnson's testimony, his defense attorney presented arguments emphasizing that Johnson's actions were taken in defense of his friend.
Following Ross Johnson's testimony, his defense attorney presented arguments emphasizing that Johnson's actions were taken in defense of his friend. The defense aimed to persuade the jury that Johnson lacked the necessary intent for a manslaughter conviction.
Ross Johnson took the stand to testify in his own defense, asserting that he was acting to protect his friend, John Chester.
Ross Johnson took the stand to testify in his own defense, asserting that he was acting to protect his friend, John Chester. Johnson claimed that he believed he had only pushed Larry and did not intend to cause serious harm. His testimony was a key moment in the trial, offering his perspective on the events of April 9, 2023.
Investigators took the stand and testified about inconsistencies in Ross Johnson's statements to the police regarding his involvement in hitting Dayvon Larry.
Investigators took the stand and testified about inconsistencies in Ross Johnson's statements to the police regarding his involvement in hitting Dayvon Larry. The defense team sought to challenge these accounts and highlight any potential biases or errors in the investigation.
During the trial proceedings, a witness testified that she observed Ross Johnson punch an individual in the head after he had apparently jumped over a railing.
During the trial proceedings, a witness testified that she observed Ross Johnson punch an individual in the head after he had apparently jumped over a railing. This testimony aimed to corroborate the prosecution's narrative of Johnson's aggressive actions during the fight.
The trial of Ross Johnson officially began with opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense.
The trial of Ross Johnson officially began with opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage and witness testimonies, arguing that Johnson intentionally struck Larry from behind. The defense, however, centered its argument on self-defense and highlighted the actions of other individuals involved in the altercation.
Jury selection commenced in Panama City, Florida, for the trial of former MMA fighter Ross Johnson.
Jury selection commenced in Panama City, Florida, for the trial of former MMA fighter Ross Johnson. Johnson faced charges of manslaughter and aggravated battery in connection with the death of Airman Dayvon Larry and maintained his plea of not guilty.
August 2023 — 1 developments
Ross Johnson, through his legal representatives, formally submitted a waiver of presence for court appearances and entered a written plea of not guilty to the manslaughter charge.
Ross Johnson, through his legal representatives, formally submitted a waiver of presence for court appearances and entered a written plea of not guilty to the manslaughter charge. This action indicated his intention to contest the charges against him.
April 2023 — 6 developments
The preliminary findings from the autopsy report indicated that Dayvon Larry's death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
The preliminary findings from the autopsy report indicated that Dayvon Larry's death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head. The examination revealed a significant injury, including a softball-sized hematoma and a three-inch skull fracture, consistent with a severe impact.
In connection with the bar fight that led to Dayvon Larry's death, authorities arrested four additional individuals.
In connection with the bar fight that led to Dayvon Larry's death, authorities arrested four additional individuals. The charges against these individuals varied, ranging from simple battery to inciting a riot, indicating a broader scope of involvement in the altercation.
Ross Johnson made his first appearance before a judge concerning the manslaughter charge.
Ross Johnson made his first appearance before a judge concerning the manslaughter charge. The judge set his bond at $250,000, and Johnson was held in custody pending further proceedings.
Police officially announced the arrest of Ross Johnson, identifying him as an amateur mixed martial arts fighter with a documented record of five wins and two losses.
Police officially announced the arrest of Ross Johnson, identifying him as an amateur mixed martial arts fighter with a documented record of five wins and two losses. On the same day, the identity of the deceased was confirmed as Dayvon Larry, a 31-year-old Airman 1st Class stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Following the fatal incident, Ross Johnson was arrested and charged with manslaughter and aggravated battery.
Following the fatal incident, Ross Johnson was arrested and charged with manslaughter and aggravated battery. Reports indicated that Johnson provided multiple, inconsistent accounts of the events to the police. He allegedly told a witness, "Man, I hit that guy. I laid him out, and I think I killed him." Additionally, he reportedly sent a Snapchat message stating that Larry "wasn't moving."
A fight erupted outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City Beach, Florida, involving Ross Johnson and his friends against another group of men.
A fight erupted outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City Beach, Florida, involving Ross Johnson and his friends against another group of men. The altercation escalated and moved into the parking lot. During the ensuing chaos, Ross Johnson, an amateur MMA fighter, allegedly ran towards an ongoing confrontation involving his friend and punched Airman Dayvon Larry in the back of the head. Larry was subsequently found unconscious and unresponsive, and despite resuscitation attempts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.