Des Moines man convicted of first-degree murder in shooting of Loffredo

A Polk County jury convicted a Des Moines man of first-degree murder Wednesday for shooting Nikki Loffredo last summer.

James Bernard Johnson, 43, faces life in prison when he is sentenced June 20. After a weeklong trial, the jury deliberated Tuesday afternoon and a portion of Wednesday morning before announcing its verdict.

Ms. Loffredo, 42, of West Des Moines died July 29, 2024, of her wounds.

The defendant took the stand and said he saw Ms. Loffredo walking on Euclid Avenue early on July 27 and planned to approach her. He saw her again at the at the intersection of East Ovid Avenue and Cambridge Street at 3:48 a.m. From his GMC Yukon, he yelled at her to “come get high” with him, and according to him, she responded, “Who are you? Never mind, f--- off.”

Mr. Johnson said he felt disrespected and admitted he fired a handgun four times from his Tahoe, claiming he fired at the ground to frighten her. He then sped off in the vehicle. He denied that he intended to kill her. There was no previous connection between the victim and defendant.

The defendant was arrested on Aug. 2. Evidence included text messages between the defendant and his girlfriend admitting he had “popped” someone recently.  

Mr. Johnson said he had consumed cocaine and marijuana the day of the shooting. He had previous drug convictions. He stipulated to the charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorneys Stephanie Cox and Levi Grove, with assistance from Lindsay Scott. The investigation was led by Detectives Ryan Garrett and Jeffrey Shannon.