LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man already in jail has now been indicted in three additional killings, including the death of a pregnant mother and her unborn child, authorities said Monday.
Deonize Lee Jr., 22, faces charges in the deaths of Mozell Issacc Johnson Jr., 23; Jermia Offutt, 28; and Jeremy Thomas, his stepfather. Prosecutors said Lee also faces a first-degree fetal homicide charge in connection with Offutt's unborn child.
The violence spans two years. On July 9, 2023, Louisville police responded to a shooting on Wilson Avenue in the Park Hill neighborhood. Johnson was found dead on the sidewalk. Neighbors recalled the chaotic scene as first responders arrived.
"I went to the front door, and there was a man laying in my front door that was laying on the sidewalk in the street dead, and police was everywhere," a neighbor told WDRB on Tuesday.
Johnson's father arrived at the scene, demanding answers.
"He got on one of these white shirts, man," he said in the aftermath of the shooting. "That's my son, man!"
Two years later, on Aug. 13, 2025, Lee allegedly shot Offutt on West Broadway. She was pregnant with her fourth child and was taken to UofL Hospital, where she died. Her mother called the loss devastating.
"They not only killed my daughter but they killed my grandson," she said. "And now my grandbabies don't have a mother because of this nonsense that's going on around here."
Just three days later, on Aug. 16, 2025, Lee allegedly shot his stepfather, Jeremy Thomas, during a domestic altercation in St. Matthews. Thomas died a few days later at UofL Hospital. Police later connected Lee to the other killings.
"I think this is just an individual who has no conscience, no morals, no values," said St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson. "He doesn't respect life. And I think it's very fortunate we've gotten this young man off the street."
Court documents allege Lee acted with extreme disregard for human life, firing multiple rounds in populated areas. He also faces charges of criminal attempt murder, wanton endangerment, and tampering with evidence. Penalties range from 20 years to life, or life without parole, prosecutors said.
Lee remains in custody at Metro Corrections, awaiting his next court appearance.
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