Police Charge Nije Johnson in 2025 Pittsburgh Homicide
Authorities allege Nije Johnson played a role in the fatal 2025 shooting of 44-year-old Conrad Rozier.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Violence
Police have charged 32-year-old Nije Johnson with homicide regarding the death of Conrad Rozier, who was killed in East Hills on Feb. 18, 2025. Following an investigation, a judge recently denied bail for Johnson as her case moves toward trial.
Why it matters
The case connects Johnson to convicted shooter Jerome Thompson through recovered phone records and DNA evidence found at the crime scene. Authorities allege the two coordinated while Thompson was incarcerated, leading to the charges after a lengthy investigation.
A judge has denied bail for Nije Johnson, who is currently being held at the Allegheny County Jail. She is scheduled to appear in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court on Nov. 20.
The players
Nije Johnson
She is a 32-year-old suspect charged with homicide in connection to the 2025 death of Conrad Rozier.
Conrad Rozier
He was a 44-year-old man who died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital after being shot in East Hills.
Jerome Thompson
He is a 45-year-old convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting death of Conrad Rozier.
The details
Investigators used surveillance footage and license plate readers to track a vehicle traveling north on I-79 toward Erie after the shooting at 3 a.m. Johnson allegedly used her sister's identity to communicate with Jerome Thompson, who was convicted of second-degree murder for the killing in May 2026.
Timeline
Feb. 18, 2025: Conrad Rozier was killed in East Hills.
May 2026: A jury convicted Jerome Thompson of murder.
Oct. 9, 2026: Police arrested Nije Johnson.
Oct. 29, 2026: Jerome Thompson's sentencing date.
Nov. 20, 2026: Nije Johnson's next court appearance.
Legal Context
The prosecution of Nije Johnson follows the recent conviction of Jerome Thompson for the same 2025 homicide in East Hills. This case highlights how forensic evidence and digital records allow authorities to build cases against accomplices long after an initial arrest.
The closure of this case provides residents in the East Hills neighborhood with information regarding the ongoing investigation into local violence. Authorities continue to process evidence related to the 2300 block of East Hills Drive where the shooting occurred.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case underscores how communication records can link multiple suspects to a single crime long after the event. Residents can follow public court filings to stay updated on the legal outcomes for those charged in violent crimes.
What happens next
Nije Johnson is set to appear in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court on Nov. 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local investigations, visit Pittsburgh Violence.
