San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, February 20, 1983
Add to My HeroesKirk Leland Johnson
Patrolman Kirk Johnson was shot and killed by a 16-year-old boy who had stolen his father's sheriff's uniform and marked patrol car. When Patrolman Johnson pulled up to next to what he thought was a uniformed deputy in San Clemente Park the suspect opened fire, killing him.
The case remained unsolved for over one month before another youth broke down at the dinner table and told his parents he and another boy were with the suspect when he shot Patrolman Johnson. Neither youth was charged. On April 1, 1987 the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years to life in prison.
Patrolman Johnson had served with the San Diego Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 2 years
- Badge 1862
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 53 Reflectionshello Eric, I stumbled across this link, with its list of messages from concerned anti-parole advocates.
I was driving north on Genesee with 3 friends at about three minutes before the hour, within moments of KLJ's murder.
I was interviewed a couple times by Detective Stevenson ( or Stevens), in the following weeks. He told me, as I remember, that he had been brought in from Chicago to work on the murder.
I told him something that was completely contrary to what one of my co-passengers told him....that i had seen either a highway patrol car or more likely a sheriff's car parked driver's door to driver's door in the San Clemente Park's parking lot.
I have several significant things i saw in just a few short moments that i would be happy to share with you., which I doubt you have heard, and which you may find significant. It is simy too hard to type in this box or I would elaborate here.
I am very sorry for your loss, which must still hurt even after all these years. You may feel welcome to contact me at my email address, which I will include. I notice in Bellingham, Washington with my wife and small son.
Sincerely, Tom Houghton
You can text me if you prefer and I will give you a call. Both my wife and I are very busy, but I will make time to call you before my upcoming return to work at sea if you text or email me.
Tom Houghton, chief-engineer United States Merchant Marine 858-289-9228
Tom Houghton
Witness at murder scene
December 2, 2024
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