A 12-time convicted felon who murdered a co-worker in front of patrons and fellow employees at City Winery has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder this week, according to court records.
A bartender was cutting fruit inside the venue, 1200 West Randolph Street, around 5 p.m. on May 22, 2024, when dishwasher Clarence Johnson approached the bar, loudly praised Jesus Christ, and then lay face down on the floor, prosecutors said.
Another employee, Francois Reed-Swain, 47, asked Johnson why he was on the floor, and the two walked away together. Moments later, both men returned. Witnesses saw Johnson pushing Reed-Swain against the bar and swinging his hand in a downward motion, and the bartender looked up and realized Johnson was stabbing Reed-Swain.
A manager who saw Johnson holding a pocketknife ordered him to drop the weapon, and Johnson complied. The manager kicked the knife away and called 911, officials said.
Chicago police officers arrested Johnson at the scene. On the way to the police station, he allegedly told officers that “he didn’t mean to do that.” An autopsy determined Reed-Swain died from four stab wounds to his chest, shoulder, and back.
Now 43, Johnson had 12 prior felony convictions at the time of the killing, including 10 narcotics-related cases. His record also includes a 2011 conviction for possession of a firearm by a gang member and a 2009 escape conviction.
Judge William Gamboney sentenced Johnson, who is required by law to serve the full 24-year term.
Editor’s note: This story originally stated there was surveillance video of the attack. In fact, there was not. The report has been changed to reflect the correct information.
