Twins In Dog-burning Case, Gangs Linked

The 17-year-old twins accused of fatally setting fire to the pit bull puppy known as Phoenix might have gang ties, according to a prosecutor who outlined plans Wednesday to present expert court testimony about the brothers' "affiliation with a gang."

The disclosure came during a defense-requested postponement hearing held in juvenile court. Public defender Mark Friedenthal complained that he hadn't been properly informed about potential prosecution experts and wanted more time to prepare for a court date, now set for Oct. 14, to determine whether his client, Tremayne Johnson, should be tried as an adult in the dog-burning case.

Tremayne and his twin brother, Travers Johnson, are charged as juveniles with setting fire to Phoenix, a case that drew national attention. Rescue workers ultimately had to euthanize the dog, which had burns over more than 95 percent of its body. The teens were charged as adults with illegal drug and firearms possession in a separate case, after police raided their Southwest Baltimore home as part of the investigation into the dog burning and reported finding marijuana and three guns inside.

In an earlier interview, the boys' 75-year-old father, Charles Johnson, said the guns were his, not his sons'. He is also charged in the case, which is scheduled for trial next month. Both he and Tremayne have prior convictions, according to court records.

Charles Johnson could not be reached at his South Pulaski Street home, and Friedenthal did not return messages seeking comment. Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Rallo also declined to comment.

During Wednesday's hearing, Rallo objected to any further postponements of the dog-burning case, which was filed in June and has been put off several times.

The defense has had "ample time" to prepare, she said.

Friedenthal protested, however, saying he was given late and incomplete notice about prosecution plans to include testimony from three experts in addition to one who was already disclosed.

Judge Althea M. Handy wasn't swayed, however.

"This case is not going to be postponed," she said. "It's [already] taken much too long."