St. Louis Jury Convicted Man of Manslaughter
Johnny Haynes was found guilty in the shooting death of 27-year-old Mikell Rayford.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Violence
A jury found 45-year-old Johnny Haynes guilty of voluntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm following the 2025 shooting of Mikell Rayford. The conviction arrives after Haynes confronted his girlfriend and her cousin at a North St. Louis apartment complex.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences of lethal confrontations and the application of repeat offender laws, as Haynes holds two prior federal convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Haynes faces a potential sentence of up to 60 years in prison for his actions.
A jury delivered the guilty verdict on September 24, 2026, following the shooting that occurred in the 4300 block of Saint Ferdinand Ave. Haynes remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
The players
Johnny Haynes
He is a 45-year-old man convicted of voluntary manslaughter and other charges stemming from a 2025 shooting incident.
Mikell Rayford
He was a 27-year-old man who died at the scene after being shot in North St. Louis.
The details
Johnny Haynes shot 27-year-old Mikell Rayford once with a handgun after Rayford confronted him about his behavior toward his girlfriend and her cousin. Haynes fled the apartment complex on foot after the shooting but was apprehended by police three weeks later.
Timeline
March 30, 2025: The shooting of Mikell Rayford occurred.
September 24, 2026: The jury returned a guilty verdict for Johnny Haynes.
October 30, 2026: The court will hold a sentencing hearing for Johnny Haynes.
Legal Context
The conviction follows the application of Missouri's Armed Criminal Action statute, which allows for additional penalties when a felony is committed using a dangerous instrument. This case reflects broader regional efforts to prosecute armed violence offenses alongside standard manslaughter charges.
The resolution of this case closes a violent incident that occurred within a North St. Louis residential area. Residents of the 4300 block of Saint Ferdinand Ave. and the surrounding community may find closure as the legal process moves toward sentencing.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the severe legal risks associated with physical confrontations involving firearms. It also highlights the impact of repeat-offender history on the potential length of incarceration for those found guilty of violent crimes.
What happens next
Johnny Haynes is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on October 30, 2026, where he faces up to 60 years in prison.
Further reading
For additional context on legal developments in the region, visit Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox2Now.
