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Trial for man accused in SAFD firefighter’s death scheduled for September 2023

Emond Johnson’s trial to start on Sept. 18 in the 186th District Court

SAN ANTONIO – A trial date has been scheduled for a man accused of starting a deadly fire that killed a San Antonio firefighter in 2017.

In a hearing on Wednesday in the 186th District Court, the trial date for Emond Johnson was set for Sept. 18.

Johnson is facing five charges that include murder, arson resulting in death, two charges of arson causing bodily injury and arson of a building.

Johnson, back in May 2017, allegedly set fire to his gym. That fire spread to other businesses, killing firefighter Scott Deem.

Firefighter Brad Phipps was also seriously injured while responding to the fire.

Investigators believe Johnson intentionally set the fire because he was behind on paying rent and was about to lose the lease on his gym.

This trial was expected to begin in February but Johnson was recently appointed a new defense attorney after his former attorney Miguel Najera was appointed to an associate judge position last fall.

The trial will take place in the 186th District Court, presided by newly elected Judge Kristina Escalona.

WATCH: KSAT courts reporter Erica Hernandez discusses delay in trial for man accused in SAFD firefighter’s death

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About the Authors
Erica Hernandez headshot

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.

Misael Gomez headshot

Misael started at KSAT-TV as a photojournalist in 1987.

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