Michigan: The Suspicious Unsolved Death of Timothy Johnson

The Suspicious Unsolved Death of Timothy Johnson
On or about May 24th, authorities recovered the body of 24-year-old Timothy Johnson in the ditch by M-152 near Pleasant Road, near Dowagiac in Silver Creek Township, Cass County, Michigan.

Since the time of Timothy’s death in May, the Johnson family has consistently said there was foul play, that it could be a racial hate crime, and that they want a full investigation. People close to the incident are not satisfied with the investigation.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) says Johnson was walking on M152 on the morning of May 24th, when he was struck and killed by a vehicle.

On or about June 20th, the CCSO recovered a vehicle. Soon thereafter they arrested its driver, Enrique Martinez, who was charged with crimes. The question becomes: is Martinez a killer or a potential second victim?

The CCSO justified their conclusion that it was a vehicular hit-and-run—rather than a targeted attack or beating—by relying on a combination of physical evidence from the body recovery scene, video surveillance, a flock camera, and the statements of the alleged hit-and-run driver.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Enrique Bejarano-Martinez on three charges related to the hit-and-run death of Timothy Johnson. The alleged hit-and-run happened on May 24 (later changed to the 21st), and the sheriff’s office arrested Martinez in mid-June.

The Martinez arrest occurred shortly after Johnson’s family held a press conference expressing frustration and demanding a broader investigation. The family publicly stated they believed his injuries were inconsistent with a crash. They raised the possibility of a targeted attack. However, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the incident is being prosecuted as a vehicular homicide. Authorities push back on the idea of a hate crime or domestic dispute.

While saying they are open to new evidence, the CCSO has indicated the case is essentially solved. However, as of July 7, 2026, there has not been a clear time or cause of death as should be available from forensics. DNA from the alleged vehicle should have been already available. Statements from alternative theories have not been taken. There was indication that the date/time of death was changed; if so, why? Specifically, though the body was found on May 24th, the time of death was changed to the 21st, coinciding with the car accident timing. Relevant phone records have not been gathered or analyzed.

PLEASE CONSIDER

The family and the public assert a full investigation is needed, and that once conducted it can deliver true justice for both Timothy Johnson and Enrique Martinez. It is unacceptable that a Black man is viciously killed and a Latino man is all-too-conveniently assigned responsibility, without a rigorous investigation. Simultaneously, there are too many un-explored open questions. All the contributing agencies must coordinate and bring the full truth to light. Everyone is aware of intense racial dynamics in the area and the potential for this case to become a broader civil rights issue.

The way the case is being pursued, a serious injustice can be inflicted on both Timothy Johnson and Enrique Martinez. Only if all the facts come out, only if a decent defense is mounted, can it be assured that socially-warped people aren’t celebrating the removal of two people of color. 

Funds are needed to hire a private investigator and attorneys, conduct an independent review of the expected forensic autopsy, miscellaneous legal fees and other costs.  

So, funds to support the Johnson and Martinez families are being solicited.

An online fundraising platform is being setup but we need at $5000 to hire a private investigator immediately.

Please donate via CashApp at $MoratoriumNow1 (David Sole) or 
write a check to Moratorium Now Coalition (write Timothy Johnson in the memo) and mail the check to 5920 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. 

Moratorium NOW! CoalitionLatino Leadership Education Advocacy Development (LLEAD)Black Autonomy Network Community Organization(BANCO) (https://www.bhbanco.org/ – banco9342@sbcglobal.net)