MESA, Ariz. — A man who strangled a Department of Child Safety caseworker in a Mesa office lobby while livestreaming the attack on Facebook has been sentenced to 17.5 years in prison, officials announced Friday.
Details of the incident
The assault occurred in November 2024 after the caseworker interviewed Deandre Johnson’s daughter alone as part of an investigation, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Enraged by the interview, Johnson approached the caseworker from behind, placed him in a chokehold, and repeatedly told him he was a “dead man.”
Prosecutors said Johnson held the chokehold for more than two minutes until the caseworker lost consciousness. When he realized the victim was still alive, he resumed strangling him.
Attack broadcast online
The entire assault, including Johnson’s threats, was broadcast live on Facebook. Witnesses tried to intervene during the prolonged attack, and after releasing the victim, Johnson turned his aggression toward bystanders before leaving the building.
Mesa police later arrested him following a pursuit. The caseworker survived the attack.
Conviction and sentencing
A jury found Johnson guilty of attempted first-degree murder, four misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, and unlawful flight from law enforcement. He was sentenced to 17.5 years in state prison.
Officials said the case underscores the dangers faced by child welfare workers and the severity of targeting public employees performing their duties.
