Kylen Pratt, 23, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder and multiple charges related to the 2022 death of his boyfriend, Naasire Johnson.
Prosecutors say Pratt shot the 20-year-old victim in an attempt to keep his sexuality a secret, then burned Johnson’s body beyond recognition to cover up the crime.
Pratt was also convicted of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and possession of an instrument of crime. The case has been described as a “hate crime” by prosecutors.
On February 17, 2022, Johnson left his home to meet Pratt. After arriving at a separate residence, Johnson was shot in the neck.
Pratt then wrapped the body in plastic, fabric, and duct tape before setting it on fire. Johnson’s unrecognizable remains were discovered three days later by passersby, and it took authorities a week to identify the body.
Cynthia Johnson, the victim’s grandmother, expressed her grief:
“Sometimes I just force myself to go to sleep, my heart is so torn in so many pieces — I couldn’t even see him when they laid him to rest.”
During the investigation, police discovered disturbing internet searches on Pratt’s phone, including terms like “murdering in cold blood,” “having sex with dead bodies,” and “traits of a psychopath.”
Physical evidence, including the murder weapon, blood splatters, and bleach spots, was also found at the crime scene.
Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope condemned Pratt’s actions, stating:
“This is an individual who was killed because he was gay, and because the man who killed him didn’t want anyone to find out he was in a relationship with him or had sex with other men.”
Johnson’s family, alongside prosecutors, is urging society to embrace acceptance of others’ sexuality, warning of the potential consequences of intolerance.
