Jonathan Julius Clayton

How they died

Deadly force

Jonathan Clayton was shot and killed by deputy David Johnson Sr., who was responding to a domestic dispute. As Johnson approached the trailer door, Clayton claimed to have a gun and allegedly threatened to shoot. Johnson stated that Clayton eventually emerged from the trailer with one hand behind his back, then turned away toward the trailer. Johnson reportedly saw that Clayton was holding a knife. When Johnson ordered Clayton to come down from the porch, Clayton allegedly began cutting himself with the knife while yelling, "You see what you're doing?" Clayton then began to approach Johnson, throwing his hands in the air and telling Johnson to shoot him, while Johnson walked backwards with his gun drawn. It is disputed whether Clayton still had the knife at this point, while he continued walking toward Johnson, refusing to obey his commands, hollering profanities, and throwing his arms up in the air. Saying that he feared for his safety and the safety of others, Johnson fired one shot, striking Clayton in the chest, killing him.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Jonathan Julius Clayton, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources