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.
Lawyers say that around 5 p.m. on May 22, 2024, a bartender was cutting fruit inside the venue at 1200 West Randolph Street when Clarence Johnson, a cleaner, walked up to the bar, yelled praises to Jesus Christ, and then fell to the floor face down.
François Reed-Swain, a 47-year-old worker, asked Johnson why he was on the floor, and the two of them left together. Soon after, both men came back. People saw Johnson push Reed-Swain against the bar and swing his hand downwards. When the bartender looked up, he saw that Johnson was stabbing Reed-Swain.
When a boss saw Johnson with a pocketknife in his hand, they told him to put it down, and Johnson did. Police say the boss kicked the knife away and called 911.
Johnson was arrested by Chicago cops at the scene. He is said to have told cops on the way to the station that “he didn’t mean to do that.” An exam showed that Reed-Swain died from four stab wounds in the back, shoulder, chest, and chest.
At the time of the killing, Johnson, who is now 43 years old, had been convicted of 12 felonies, 10 of which were linked to drugs. On his record, he was also found guilty of escape in 2009 and having a gun while being a part of a gang in 2011.
Johnson was given a sentence by Judge William Gamboney. He is forced by law to serve the whole 24-year term.
