Kaylah Walton
Joe Rogan had an unexpected encounter during an interview with a man who had been imprisoned for attempted murder in a robbery. The situation escalated when it was revealed that this individual was implicated in the murder and dismemberment of his childhood friend.
This event unfolded in February 2024 when Rogan, accompanied by Josh Dublin, a civil rights lawyer, interviewed Sheldon Johnson, who had spent 25 years in prison.
The atmosphere was positive enough for them to go together to a comedy club that night. However, just over a month later, troubling news emerged regarding Johnson, who many believed had turned his life around.
‘It’s wild because we spent that evening with him,’ Rogan reflected. ‘He was with us in the green room at the comedy club.
‘Then the shocking news hit [38 days later]. The comedians were asking, ‘What were you thinking bringing him around?’ But we had no idea.’
This revelation impacted Dublin deeply. As an advocate for the wrongfully accused, he had genuinely believed in Johnson’s rehabilitation, referring to him as a “miracle.”
Despite Rogan’s efforts to reassure him that he wasn’t responsible for Johnson’s actions, Dublin expressed his distress over the public and media backlash.
‘It’s not amusing at all,’ Dublin told Rogan. ‘I’m laughing out of nerves, but I hailed him as a miracle on your show.
‘And look what the media did to me—I’ve been through a lot to process this. We’ve talked about it, and I kind of isolated myself.’
Details of the Murder Case
The incident occurred on March 5, 2024, in the Bronx, New York City. Police found the dismembered remains of Collin Small after receiving reports of gunfire.
Surveillance cameras captured Johnson entering and leaving Small’s apartment, where he was also discovered, apparently attempting to conceal the body.
At 48 years old, Johnson faced charges including murder, manslaughter, illegal possession of a weapon, and corpse concealment.
Authorities later located additional remains, including Small’s head, legs, and an arm at Johnson’s home in Harlem.
