DES MOINES, IA – An Iowa man faces life imprisonment after being found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of a woman who declined his offer to “get high” with him while she was walking on a Des Moines street.

James Johnson, 43, was convicted in connection with the death of Nikkie Loffredo, 42, whom he approached while driving through a neighborhood on July 27. According to the Polk County Attorney’s Office, Johnson asked Loffredo if she wanted to join him in drug use.

When she rejected him with a dismissive comment, Johnson later admitted to feeling insulted and responded by firing his handgun multiple times.

While testifying, Johnson admitted he had been using cocaine and marijuana that night. He claimed he did not intend to kill Loffredo but aimed to frighten her after feeling disrespected. Witnesses say Johnson had no prior connection with his victim.

The jury’s decision to convict Johnson came after an acknowledgment by the prosecutors that boredom and the desire to use his weapon contributed to Johnson’s actions that night. Prosecutor Levi Grove described Johnson’s behavior as driving aimlessly around the neighborhood “looking for a reason to use that gun.”

Johnson gave testimonials during his trial indicating his troubled state, stating he had been trying to avoid personal disputes at home.

Despite his admission of guilt during the trial, he expressed remorse over the incident, insisting he did not wish to cause any harm or death.

On June 20, Johnson will be sentenced, potentially facing life behind bars. The case has spotlighted the deadly combination of boredom, substance abuse, and illegal firearm possession, resulting in tragic consequences for the community.