Overview

• Joseph Tillman received a 20-year sentence for killing Chuck Johnson in a hit-and-run, with the first three years in custody contingent on completing a 24-month inpatient rehabilitation program.
• During the August 7 sentencing in Cherokee County Superior Court, Regina Johnson shocked the courtroom by embracing and forgiving Tillman.
• Immediately after the sentencing, Johnson filed lawsuits against Galaxy Gas, Cloud 9 Smoke Co. and SBK International for selling the nitrous oxide whippets Tillman used.
• Tillman has begun the court-mandated rehabilitation program and apologized in court, committing to sobriety and making amends.
• The civil litigation aims to set a precedent holding nitrous oxide distributors accountable as abuse of whippets surges among young adults.