A Roommate's Unseen Truth: Living with a Suspect

In a quiet neighborhood in Southwest Baltimore, a roommate found himself in the middle of a shocking crime. Sam Buckner shared a home with two others, one of whom was later accused of murder. Buckner recently shared his story, revealing how he lived with the suspect for weeks without knowing the horrifying truth.

The Discovery

Buckner discovered that his roommate, 33-year-old Dashond Johnson, had been murdered inside their home. What made the situation even more unsettling was learning that the accused killer was Johnson's boyfriend, 30-year-old Eric Jones Junior. Buckner admitted he believed Jones' explanation about Johnson's sudden disappearance, which was that Johnson had left after an argument.

Signs Missed

Looking back, Buckner noticed some changes in Jones' behavior. Jones avoided going out, kept the lights off more often, and ate less. However, these signs didn't raise any red flags about a murder. Police later revealed that Jones had stabbed Johnson multiple times and dumped his body in Leakin Park near the Gwynns Falls Trail.

Buckner's Absence

Buckner was visiting family in Hagerstown and then New York when the murder allegedly took place. When he returned, Johnson was missing, and Jones told him Johnson had left after an argument. Buckner had no idea that Johnson had been stabbed inside their home.

The Breakthrough

A crucial lead in the case came from a neighbor who called 9-1-1 after hearing a man scream and collapse outside their home. The neighbor reported seeing another man, believed to be Jones, wheel the injured man toward an alley. Homicide detectives investigated and eventually arrested Jones after he allegedly confessed and led them to Johnson's body.

Aftermath

Buckner expressed gratitude to the neighbor for making that 9-1-1 call. He also mentioned that he is deeply affected by the ordeal and may need therapy to cope with the trauma. The situation highlights how easily the truth can remain hidden, even in close living quarters.