Update: NC woman claims self-defense in shooting coworker. Here’s what the judge said
The woman accused of shooting her coworker at Nacho Hippo did not act out of self defense despite the man threatening to “pistol-whip” her.
The murder trial for Lafredia Todd will continue after a judge struck down a “Stand Your Ground” motion on Wednesday. Todd allegedly shot and her coworker Quentin Johnson on July 28, 2022, The Sun News reported. He died in the hospital three days later.
“As expected, the defense has failed to meet its very low burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that it is more likely than not that their client acted in self defense,” said John DeVille Jr., Johnson’s brother, in a text to The Sun News. “My family and I are hopeful that we are one step closer to receiving justice for my brother.”
Todd’s trial was set to begin Jan. 6 but a self-defense hearing pushed back opening statements. The defense brought in multiple witnesses who stated the two argued the night of the shooting.
The witnesses also said Johnson had threatened Todd while at work, including saying that he would “pistol-whip” her. Following the shooting, North Myrtle Beach Police found two unloaded guns on Johnson, a police report said.
Around 10:40 p.m. Todd went outside, and shortly after, witnesses heard a gunshot, said Judge Benjamin Culbertson. Todd was seen on surveillance footage coming back inside carrying a silver object.
The prosecutor said Todd’s brother had brought her a gun.
Todd entered the manager’s office where she began watching the security cameras. Johnson then came back inside, walked past the manager’s office and into the kitchen. Todd stepped out of the office and shot Johnson in the head, hitting him below his right ear.
“The defendant did not appear to be scared or in fear for her life. To the contrary, she appeared to be angry and aggressive after the shooting,” Culbertson said.
Stuart Axelrod, Todd’s lawyer, requested the trial be continued as he was having trouble getting a key witness to testify. Culbertson denied this motion. Opening statements will likely begin Thursday afternoon or Friday.
This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
