Runners remember David Stevens. Photo by Rasy Ran

The former Texas A&M football player who confessed to killing running enthusiast David Stevens on White Rock Trail near the Walnut Hill underpass in Lake Highlands goes on trial today/Monday. Since October 12, 2015 when Thomas Johnson hacked Stevens to death with a machete, Johnson has been in jail or receiving treatment for mental illness. He appeared in court Friday and told the judge he’s now aware of the charges he’s facing and prepared to face trial. The jury was selected last week.

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Stevens was 53 on that terrible day, with friends in the running community and a wife, Patti, who deeply loved him. A few days later, Patti committed suicide, unable to bear his loss.

After the brutal killing, Johnson told random passersby what he had done, and he told first responders he had just “committed capital murder.” During his troubled past he fought schizophrenia, but he had the help of many, including a couple who took him in to help him graduate Skyline High and get into Texas A&M.

Johnson’s lawyers haven’t yet revealed whether they’ll claim insanity as a defense.

Thomas Johnson

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.