ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Johnnie Jordan, 55, has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison by Judge St. Evans for the first-degree murder of Vita Joga. The sentencing took place on March 4, marking the culmination of a tragic case of domestic violence that ended in murder at a local restaurant in Placer County where Joga worked.
The relationship between Jordan and Joga began with a coffee date and escalated into an engagement. Unbeknownst to Joga, Jordan had a criminal history, including possession of a firearm by a felon and making criminal threats. The breakup of their engagement led to a series of events fueled by jealousy, stalking, and violence.
Jordan’s history of strangulation, a known risk factor for increased homicide risk, was highlighted in the case. Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire emphasized the case’s focus on Joga and her loved ones, underlining the severe impact of intimate partner violence. The prosecution team, led by Gire and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Anna Duffy of the Family Protection Unit, secured the sentence with the support of a compelling victim impact statement from Joga’s daughter.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of community awareness and resources to support victims and survivors. For more information on domestic violence risks and resources, the public is encouraged to visit the Placer County website.