North Miami Beach Murder Suspect Denied Bond in Execution-Style Killing of Malcolm Johnson Jr.
North Miami Beach, FL — A 22-year-old man accused of carrying out a chilling execution-style murder during a robbery in May 2023 has been denied bond as he awaits trial. The suspect, Marcuss Ealy, is charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in the death of 21-year-old Malcolm Avery Johnson Jr., who was fatally shot during a confrontation over a gold medallion.
Surveillance Footage and Eyewitness Accounts
The fatal incident occurred near Northwest 170th Street and Northwest 3rd Avenue in North Miami Beach. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moments when Ealy and an accomplice, identified as 22-year-old Mario Fogler, approached Johnson. Ealy allegedly snatched the gold chain from Johnson’s neck and, after a brief struggle, fired four shots at close range, striking Johnson in the head and chest. The suspects then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.
Family Cooperation in the Investigation
In a remarkable turn of events, Ealy’s own family members played a pivotal role in the investigation. His mother, Ebony Lundy, upon being shown still images from the surveillance footage, confirmed to police, “Yes, it’s them,” referring to her son and his accomplice. She expressed her anguish, stating, “This was my worst nightmare, somebody killing Marcuss or Marcuss killing someone.” Additionally, Ealy’s brother, a law enforcement officer in Georgia, identified Ealy as the shooter and informed detectives that Ealy had confessed to the killing.
Legal Proceedings and Denial of Bond
During a recent bond hearing, prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including selfies Ealy allegedly took while wearing Johnson’s stolen gold medallion. Judge Cristina Miranda, citing the severity of the crime and the risk to public safety, denied Ealy’s request for bond, stating, “I can’t in any good conscience say that it would be safe for the community to return this defendant to his home.”
Accomplice’s Guilty Plea
Ealy’s accomplice, Mario Fogler, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in March 2025 and received a 20-year prison sentence. Fogler is expected to testify against Ealy in the upcoming trial.
Community Impact
The brutal nature of the crime has left the North Miami Beach community in shock. The cooperation of Ealy’s family with law enforcement underscores the profound impact the incident has had on those connected to both the victim and the accused. As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the senseless loss of a young life and the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
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