Phoenix Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch Tuesday, May 2, 1944
Add to My HeroesDavid Lee "Star" Johnson
Police Officer Star Johnson was shot and killed by an off duty city detective in front of 219 East Jefferson Street.
The detective had become upset after Officer Johnson stopped one of his friends for running a stop sign. As the two argued the detective drew a revolver and fired five times, fatally wounding Officer Johnson.
The detective was acquitted at trial but was shot and killed by one of Officer Johnson's friends in an act of retaliation three days after returning to duty.
Officer Johnson was a U.S. Army veteran.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsOfficer Johnson, my extreme regrets for your loss. Death at the hands of another police officer, out of rage and prejudice, should have been punished by the courts. I shudder at the thought of what the witnesses, your family and friends also had to endure in this incident.
The more in depth story of your killing, and its aftermath, can be found here: https://www.roguecolumnist.com/rogue_columnist/2014/06/phoenix-101-star-johnson.html
Ultimately, your line of duty death was recognized and the truth was revealed. Thank your for your service to the nation, during WWII, the state of Arizona and the people of Phoenix.
May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.
Sgt. K.W. Moreland
Arapahoe Community College (Ret. LAPD)
December 1, 2020
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