Bio

Johnny Lamar Wade was born in 1956. Little is known about his early life and background. There are few records that describe his childhood or family dynamics. However, we do know that he lived in a trailer park and had a troubled adult life.

Wade had a history of legal issues, including past convictions for making threats. He was not stable, facing challenges in his personal and social life. He was known to have made serious threats related to family matters before the crime that led to his downfall.

By the time he reached adulthood, Wade was involved in various activities and had struggles that seem to have marked his life. He later became a father, and he was reportedly involved in disputes related to child support. His relationships appear to have been troubled, leading to tensions with family members.

Although specific details from his childhood and teenage years are not available, it is clear that Wade had personal difficulties that contributed to the life he led before committing his crime. Ultimately, these difficulties played a significant role in shaping the person he became as an adult.

Murder Story

On August 8, 1986, in Newton County, Georgia, 13-year-old Lance Barnes disappeared after riding his bike to a local store. Later that day, he was seen leaving the store with Johnny Lamar Wade, who placed Lance's bike in the back of his pickup truck.

The following day, Lance's body was discovered in the woods, near his bike. He had been brutally beaten and strangled. Wade was arrested on August 9, 1986, the day after Lance's disappearance.

During the investigation, Wade provided conflicting statements about his activities on the day of the crime. He admitted to visiting the store and playing video games, but he denied driving through his neighborhood with Lance or being near the location where Lance's body was found.

Investigators collected evidence linking Wade to the crime, including pieces of chrome trim and paint from Wade's truck found at the crime scene. A stick covered with electrical tape, consistent with the injuries to Lance's head, was also discovered nearby, containing paint that matched Wade's truck.

Wade was convicted of murder and sentenced to death on March 4, 1987. His death sentence was overturned by the Georgia Supreme Court, but he was resentenced to death in April 1989. Wade died in his prison cell from natural causes in June 2007, while still on death row.