Johnson sentencing scheduled to proceed

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Sentencing for the man who struck and killed 65-year-old Julie Fitzsimons May 28, 2025 is scheduled to proceed Friday, May 29 at 2 p.m. in Sheridan County Circuit Court.

David Johnson, 33, was charged with homicide by vehicle and failure to yield to pedestrians on May 28, 2025 — both misdemeanor charges.

Sentencing comes after Johnson changed his plea to guilty of misdemeanor homicide by vehicle Feb. 4.

In exchange for a plea of guilty, the prosecution and defense recommended a sentence of 365 days in jail with all but 60 of those days suspended. After the 60 days are served, Johnson will be placed on one year of probation.

Though Johnson accepted the plea agreement established by attorneys, Sheridan County Circuit Court Judge Sheryl Bunting still has the option to accept the terms or deviate from the proposed agreement, based on a presentence investigation.

If accepted by the court, Johnson will serve 60 total days in the Sheridan County Detention Center and immediately be placed on probation upon release, per the plea agreement document.

Additionally, Johnson was issued a citation for failure to yield to a pedestrian that will be dealt with on the same day as sentencing, per a motion to continue document.

Johnson was turning right onto North Main Street across from the Rib and Chop House when he struck Fitzsimons with his vehicle. Fitzsimons was visiting from Australia and died from her blunt force trauma injuries.

A $5,000 unsecured bond was set during arraignment.

Misdemeanor homicide by vehicle is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of $2,000 or both. Failure to yield to pedestrians is a citation that is punishable by a fine of $150.

This story was published on May 26, 2026.