Death at 844 Johnson: ‘We both knew this building was going to kill him’

Jamaal Johnson knew the only way he was leaving 844 Johnson St. was in handcuffs or a body bag.

On Jan. 10, 2023, his premonition came true. The 43-year-old Victoria man collapsed in his bathroom in the social housing residence and could not be revived.

While the B.C. Coroners Service investigates his death, a video of Johnson outside the 147-unit building is circulating on social media.

In the video, shot by his daughter Janai just before Christmas, Johnson says it’s impossible for him to fight his addictions while living in “this death-defying building.”

“These places are not designed for me to get up out of here and out of my struggle,” says Johnson, who also complains about the “filthy” shower facilities.