His mother, Tina Johnson, broke down in tears outside the courtroom after Ealy’s bond was denied. “He was just 21. My baby boy. He was walking home, minding his business. He didn’t deserve this,” she said. “They took him for a chain. But we lost so much more than that—we lost our joy.”

Friends recalled Malcolm’s infectious laugh, love of music, and deep loyalty to his family. “He’d give you the shirt off his back,” said his cousin Jordan Russell. “He wasn’t in the streets. He was trying to build something.”

The Crime: Timeline of Events

On the evening of May 23, 2023, Malcolm was walking near the intersection of NW 170th Street and NW 3rd Avenue in North Miami Beach, returning home after visiting a friend. It was just after 7:45 p.m. when two individuals—later identified as Ealy and Fogler—approached him. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, later released by police, showed Ealy engaging Johnson in a brief conversation before suddenly grabbing the gold chain from around his neck.

An eyewitness, who was riding a bicycle nearby, told detectives he saw Johnson resist and push back against Ealy. What followed was swift and merciless. Ealy reportedly pulled out a firearm and shot Malcolm four times, according to court documents. Malcolm collapsed on the pavement as the two suspects fled the scene on foot.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded quickly to 911 calls, but Malcolm was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Investigation: Swift Action and Strong Evidence

Police were able to track Ealy and Fogler thanks to a combination of surveillance footage, anonymous tips, and digital forensics. Surveillance video from a nearby gas station captured both suspects just minutes before the murder. Footage from other locations helped map their escape route and ultimately led to their arrests.

Officers recovered a handgun, later confirmed through ballistic testing to be the same weapon used in the murder. The gold chain was not recovered—prosecutors believe it may have been sold or discarded to avoid incrimination.

Detectives also cited social media activity and cell phone records that placed Ealy near the scene of the crime at the time of the shooting. Text messages obtained with a warrant revealed conversations in which Ealy allegedly referenced robbing someone “for that shine.”

Fogler, while not believed to be the shooter, is facing charges of armed robbery and accessory to murder. He remains in custody and is cooperating with prosecutors as part of a potential plea deal.

Prosecution and Courtroom Developments

During the bond hearing on May 19, 2025—two years after the fatal shooting—prosecutors painted a chilling picture of a premeditated and ruthless crime, arguing that Ealy should remain in custody until trial. They emphasized the danger he poses to witnesses and the community at large.

“This was not a fight. This was not a heat-of-the-moment act,” said Assistant State Attorney Luis Martinez. “This was a targeted, cold-blooded execution. The defendant showed no hesitation, no remorse, and no mercy.”

Ealy’s defense attorney, James Talbot, attempted to argue that his client acted in self-defense and that there was a lack of clear motive. “There’s more to the story,” Talbot told the court. “We intend to contest these charges vigorously.”

Judge Glazer, however, was not persuaded. “The evidence before this court—surveillance footage, ballistics, witness testimony—points to a calculated act of violence,” she said. “The defendant is to be held without bond.”

Community Reaction and Growing Calls for Justice

The murder of Malcolm Johnson Jr. has deeply impacted the North Miami Beach community. A candlelight vigil held shortly after his death drew over 200 attendees, many of them wearing shirts that read “Justice for Malcolm”.

“I still can’t sleep,” said Erica Mendez, a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath. “He was just lying there. I can’t get that image out of my head. Our kids aren’t safe, and something needs to change.”

Local activists and elected officials are now using Malcolm’s case to highlight broader issues of gun violence, youth safety, and urban crime. North Miami Beach Councilman Michael Joseph spoke at the vigil, promising increased funding for youth programs and community safety initiatives.

“Malcolm’s life was valuable,” Councilman Joseph said. “We owe it to his memory to invest in a safer future for all our young people.”

A Family Torn Apart, But Determined

In the two years since Malcolm’s death, his family has struggled to find peace. His mother has become an advocate for gun violence awareness, attending city council meetings and partnering with local nonprofit groups to push for reform.

“I never imagined I’d bury my son,” said Tina Johnson. “Now I wake up every day with a hole in my heart. But I’ll keep fighting. He deserved to live. He deserved a future.”

What’s Next? Trial and Sentencing

With bond denied, Ealy will remain incarcerated in Miami-Dade County Jail as he awaits trial, which is currently scheduled to begin in late 2025. Prosecutors have not ruled out seeking life without parole, though capital punishment is not on the table, given recent changes in Florida’s prosecutorial policies regarding the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Malcolm’s family hopes the trial will bring clarity—and justice.

“We’ll be there every day,” said his aunt, Carolyn Bryant. “We’ll be his voice. We won’t let anyone forget Malcolm’s name.”

As North Miami Beach moves forward, the memory of Malcolm Avery Johnson Jr.—a young man with promise, stolen in an act of senseless violence—remains etched in the hearts of a grieving family and a shaken community. And while justice may be slow, it remains their unwavering pursuit.

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