PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two men were convicted last week for their roles in the 2022 fatal shooting of Philadelphia sanitation worker Ikeem Johnson while he was collecting trash in the city’s Mayfair neighborhood, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Monday.
Nushar Scott, 42, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and firearms violations after jurors determined he fired 28 rounds at Johnson, striking the 35-year-old victim 15 times. Rasheen Trusty, 32, who drove Scott to and from the scene, was convicted of third-degree murder and conspiracy.
The jury reached its verdict after several hours of deliberation, concluding a case that involved detailed forensic and surveillance evidence. The shooting took place on the morning of November 18, 2022, at the corner of Bleigh Avenue and Rowland Avenue. Prosecutors said Scott wore a mask and latex gloves, stalked Johnson for several minutes, and used two firearms—a .45 caliber and a .40 caliber—to carry out the attack.
DNA found on one of the cartridge casings, along with discarded gloves, linked Scott directly to the scene. Investigators also tracked cell site data and SEPTA surveillance footage, which showed the two defendants traveling from and returning to a Northern Liberties apartment around the time of the shooting.
Scott was arrested in January 2023, while Trusty was taken into custody in August of the same year. Sentencing for Scott is scheduled for May, where he faces mandatory life imprisonment without parole. Trusty’s sentencing is scheduled for June.
Community impact and investigation praised
District Attorney Krasner commended the prosecution and investigative teams, calling the verdict a step toward justice. “While this jury conviction cannot bring back Ikeem Johnson, we can rest easier knowing that these two dangerous individuals are off the streets,” he said.
Assistant District Attorney Bob Wainwright and ADA Gregory Dashko led the prosecution, supported by Detectives Craig Coulter and Steve Grace of the Philadelphia Police Department. “This was a terrible murder of a sanitation worker who was killed on the job,” Wainwright said, adding that the police investigation “enabled us to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Kim Johnson, the victim’s mother, also spoke following the verdict, saying, “Ikeem was a great dad. He loved being a father. I also want to say that there are no winners in situations like this. Put the guns down and stop this violence.”
Key Points
- Nushar Scott was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2022 shooting of Ikeem Johnson.
- Rasheen Trusty was convicted of third-degree murder for acting as the getaway driver.
- Investigators used DNA, surveillance footage, and cell data to link both men to the crime.