Aloha Bar Murder Suspect On Trial This Week, Jury Selection Underway

A man who has been on house arrest since last October goes on trial for first-degree murder this week.

Johnathon Thomas, 23, was charged in Oklahoma County for the 2023 deadly shooting of a customer at a bar in southeast Oklahoma City. 

Jury selection was underway on Monday for Thomas’ murder trial. The trial was delayed twice last year. Thomas appeared in court for voir dire, a process where Oklahoma County prosecutors and defense attorneys question prospective jurors.

Thomas was arrested and charged in June 2023 for the murder of 31-year-old Justin Smith. Police said Thomas and Smith were involved in a fight at the Aloha Bar in southeast Oklahoma City when Thomas shot Smith in the chest.

Thomas spent more than a year in jail before his attorneys filed a motion asking the judge to reduce his bond. Smith's twin brother spoke to News 9 after the accused murderer was released from the Oklahoma County Detention Center on house arrest.

“Our brother, he’s buried has multiple life sentences,” said Dustin Smith, victim’s brother. “He’s never able to come back. So why does this guy get to get out?”

Thomas pleaded not guilty during a formal arraignment last January.

A bailiff for the trial judge told News 9 they expect jury selection to end Tuesday morning and then attorneys will deliver their opening statements.

Thomas is required to wear a GPS monitor as part of his release from jail.