James Johnson was executed at 12:06 a.m., January 9, 2002.

Case Facts: On December 8, 1991 James Johnson was involved in an argument with his daughter Dawn Becker, who lived with Johnson and his wife Jerri Wilson in Moniteau County, Missouri. During the argument Johnson stated that he “couldn’t take it anymore” and was going to move out. His wife told him that if his daughter moved out she would too. Johnson then told his wife to choose between him or their daughter. When Mrs. Johnson chose their daughter Johnson ordered both of them from the home. When they did not leave Johnson took a rifle and pointed it at both of the women and forcibly removed his daughter from the house.

A few minutes later Johnson loaded some guns and ammunition into his car and drove away. He returned a short time later with his daughter and told his wife he wanted to work things out. Shortly thereafter Moniteau County Deputy Sheriff Les Roark arrived at the house to investigate a domestic disturbance. Roark asked to speak with Ms. Becker, but Johnson refused. Mrs. Johnson brought Becker to
the door and told Roark that they were both fine. As Roark was walking back to his patrol car Johnson stepped outside and shot the deputy twice. Johnson stepped inside the house, but when he heard Roark moaning he went back outside and shot him in the forehead, killing him.

Johnson then left the house in his car with his guns and ammunition, some clothes and a thermos. Johnson drove to the home of Moniteau County Sheriff Kenny Jones whose family was having a Christmas Party. Using a .22 caliber rifle Johnson fired shots on a group of people he saw through a window. Pam Jones, wife of Sheriff Jones was struck five times in the shoulder, face, neck and back of the head. She died at the scene in front of her family.

Johnson then went to the home of Deputy Sheriff Russell Borts who was talking on the telephone. Johnson shot him four times in the face, hand and chest. Deputy Borts survived the attack.

Johnson then went to the Moniteau County Sheriff’s Office where law enforcement officers from around the area had gathered following the shootings. When word reached them that Deputy Borts had been shot the officers left the office. Johnson, who was laying in wait outside the office, opened fire and shot Cooper County Sheriff Charles Smith four times with .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle. Sheriff Smith died from the gunshot wounds to his face, side, head and back. Moments later Miller County Deputy Sheriff Sandra Wilson arrived at the office. As she was getting out of her car Johnson shot her in the chest with an eight millimeter, bolt action Mauser rifle. Deputy Wilson died at the scene.

Johnson was able to escape the scene and hid on the back porch of a local resident, Dorothy Mae Miller. The next morning Johnson confronted Mrs. Miller and held her hostage for most of the day. Johnson allowed her to leave her house in the evening so she could attend a Christmas party where she was expected. Upon her release Mrs. Miller contacted authorities and told them where Johnson was. Law enforcement went to Mrs. Miller’s home, whereupon they talked Johnson into surrendering.