The family of Deondre Johnson is feeling some relief Thursday after a teenager was convicted of shooting the toddler in the face in August of 2011.

Continue reading

Devon Matos, 17, of Fort Washington, was found guilty Thursday for his role in the August 2011 shooting in Glenarden, where 23-month-old Deondre was shot in the face. Matos was convicted of two counts each of assault and handgun charges, in addition to one count of reckless endangerment.

"Today's verdict removes a dangerous individual from our streets and I hope it will aid in the healing process for the Johnson family and their community," Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said in a statement.

It was on Aug. 22, 2011 that Shaneka Johnson and Deondre were outside their apartment building in the 3000 block of Brightseat Road when gunfire erupted. Deondre, who was struck in the face by a bullet, suffered grave injuries.

Authorities say that while Deondre clearly wasn't the target, Matos should have never had a gun in the first place.

"Gun violence in our community and in this country is out of control," Prince George's County Police Chief Mark McGaw said.

Deondre is still recovering; he still faces several surgeries, though, and continues to use a tracheotomy tube to help him breathe. Matos, in the meantime, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8.