Stories
Duanna Johnson
Duanna Johnson was arrested on charges of prostitution and was sitting in a chair in a holding area at the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar Avenue when an officer walked up and punched her several times. Johnson, who was transgender, said she refused to get up when the officer called her over using several derogatory names. A surveillance camera shows the officer punching Johnson several times, apparently holding handcuffs in the hand that was hitting her. Johnson finally got up and swung back. A short stand-off ensued, and someone sprayed mace. Prostitution charges against Duanna Johnson were dropped and several of the officers were disciplined or fired.
On November 9, 2008, Johnson was found shot to death in North Memphis. No one has been charged with the crime.