by | Published
San Antonio, TX — A San Antonio man has been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of a passenger inside a vehicle while stopped at a red light.
Nathan Franklin was sentenced on March 6, 2026, by Judge Catherine Stahl of the 175th District Court for the murder of 64-year-old Johnny Johnson.
According to prosecutors, the shooting occurred in March 2025 while Franklin and several other passengers were inside a vehicle stopped at a red light.
Authorities said Franklin pulled out a gun and shot Johnson, who was seated in the backseat of the vehicle. The bullet struck Johnson in the neck.
When emergency responders arrived, Johnson was still alive and was able to identify Franklin as the shooter.
Johnson was transported to a hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
Prosecutors said eyewitness testimony, Johnson’s statement before his death and Franklin’s confession to law enforcement all confirmed that Franklin was responsible for the shooting.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Madeline Flosi and Cole Davila of the Criminal Trial Division, with support from Victim Advocate Helen Yruegas and Investigator Martin Gaskin.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said the sentence brings accountability in the case.
“With this sentence, we honor Johnny’s memory and stand with his family,” Gonzales said. “We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the public and will continue to seek justice in every case.”
