Minneapolis man convicted of first-degree murder, will receive life sentence with parole

Johnny Leroy Brown, 52, was convicted Tuesday of multiple charges by a Hennepin County jury. The top charge, first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern of domestic abuse, carries a mandatory life sentence with parole.

Mr. Brown was also convicted of second-degree intentional murder, second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

This morning, the jury found the existence of aggravating factors.

“Our thoughts are with Kesha Moore’s loved ones as this case concludes,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Mr. Brown committed a terrible crime, and our community lost another woman to domestic violence. This horrific murder was part of a pattern of domestic violence by Mr. Brown against women in his life, including Kesha and many past partners. Kesha’s death was a devastating tragedy, and while no sentence returns Kesha to her loved ones, Mr. Brown is being held accountable and our community will be protected. Kesha deserved better, and we will keep fighting to ensure that survivors of domestic violence have the resources they need to escape.”

Sentencing is scheduled for March 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Case Number: 27-CR-23-27119

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office held a press conference Wednesday to highlight the verdict, the impact of numerous past victims’ cooperation in prosecuting Mr. Brown, and to underscore the critical funding needs for organizations who support victims of domestic violence.

Numerous women – survivors of Mr. Brown’s past domestic violence - assisted the prosecution of Mr. Brown, with some traveling great distances to testify in court.

Nearly a dozen HCAO staff members worked this case, from the prosecutors in the courtroom to the Victim Services Specialists and Witness Services Coordinators who supported Kesha’s family and witnesses throughout the process.

The case was built on a foundation of strong police work by Sgt. Suchta and Sgt. Schroeder of the Minneapolis Police Department.

Domestic violence is common – one of every four women and one of every seven men will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives.

It is extremely difficult to escape and is one of the hardest cycles of violence to end.

Providing financial, medical, and other assistance to survivors so that they can escape abuse, often without the aid of law enforcement, is critical. The HCAO works with several community partners like Violence Free Minnesota and Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Without the work of those providers, many people who experience violence would not have the means to escape.

Domestic Abuse Service Center

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office houses the Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) on Floor A-14 in the Hennepin County Government Center.

Additionally, all services including advocacy, Orders for Protection, and safety planning may be accessed by calling 612-348-5073.

Victims come to DASC daily seeking help, guidance and support. They can receive multiple services in one centralized location, such as, advocacy, filing order for protections, connecting with a prosecution team, and seeking legal consultation and representation from pro-bono attorneys.

DASC is located on floor A-14 of the Hennepin County Government Center. It is served by multiple bus routes and the Government Plaza Station on the METRO Blue Line.

It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and closed on legal holidays. If assistance is needed beyond hours of operation, please contact Day One via phone at 1-866-223-1111 or text at (612) 399-9995.

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