Iowa City man pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter

A man accused of killing 20-year-old Kylie Jo Perkins at her Iowa City apartment in December pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Alajuwon S. Johnson, 26, entered the guilty plea at a hearing today as part of a plea agreement between his attorney Adam Pollack, and Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness.

Johnson had previously pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, and trial had been scheduled for March 29.

Under the plea agreement, Johnson entered an Alford plea. Sixth Judicial Court Judge Denver Dillard explained that type of guilty plea asserts his innocence but admits to the guilt not as an admission to the crime but because there was sufficient evidence exists to convict him of the offense in a trial.

Also as part of the plea agreement, the additional charges of carrying weapons, possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, will be dropped.

Police said Johnson was visiting Kylie Jo Perkins at her apartment at 1527 Aber Ave. Dec. 30 when the two fought for possession of a gun Johnson was illegally carrying. Perkins was shot in the chest, police said.

Investigators said Johnson admitted he did not contact emergency officials right away, despite Perkins pleading for help, because he had warrants out for his arrest on misdemeanor charges.

Johnson eventually asked a friend to call for help and left with his handgun. The caller told police that a robbery had happened at 1227 Aber Ave., which delayed emergency responders.

If a judge accepts the terms of the plea agreement, both Lyness and Pollack have suggested a sentence of the maximum up to five year sentence in prison. Johnson also will likely have to pay $150,000 for restitution to the Perkins' family, cover funeral costs, and pay a court fee up to $7500, plus attorney fees and court costs. Sentencing will be set at a later date.