Nite Owl shooting suspect pleads not guilty

A 29-year-old Dayton man pleaded not guilty today to two counts of murder with a firearm, along with seven other charges, resulting from a melee at the Nite Owl Bar in February.

Julian Anwar Johnson was formally charged by a Clark County grand jury with four counts of felonious assault with a firearm and single counts of discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises, tampering with evidence using a firearm as a felon and carrying a concealed weapon.

Johnson remains in the Clark County Jail on $510,000 bond.

Nearly a month ago, Springfield police said he shot four men at the Nite Owl Bar, 601 W. Main St., after a fight over a woman.

Ernest Edwards, 34, died of multiple gunshot wounds as he was leaving the bar, although police said he was not believed to have been involved in the fight.

The three other victims, all males, were treated at Springfield Regional Medical Center.

Johnson became a fugitive until March 15, when U.S. Marshals found him hiding in the bathroom of an apartment in Trotwood.

Police also issued an arrest warrant for Walter Baker Jr., 28, of Dayton, who is believed to have brandished a gun in the bar during the Nite Owl shooting and was believed to be with Johnson.

About the Author