Seeking to reenergize an unsolved case that’s laid dormant for nearly two decades, San Diego authorities are re-circulating information about the murder of Thomas Johnson. San Diego County Crime Stoppers and detectives from the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit are appealing to the public for any leads that might finally bring closure to a case that started on the night of December 23, 2005. According to the San Diego County Crime Stoppers, police were called to the 5000 block of Manomet Street at 10:43 p.m. where they discovered 31-year-old Johnson with a gunshot wound, lying in the front hallway of his residence.
The initial investigations revealed Johnson had only recently arrived home when a witness heard a commotion followed by several gunshots, indicating a rapid escalation of events leading to his death. Despite an exhaustive investigation that has spanned 18 years, with numerous witness interviews and a forensic analysis of evidence, Johnson’s killer remains at large. Responded to the scene quickly, officers and medics attempted life-saving measures but were unable to save Johnson.
Now, after 18 years of investigative work, the authorities and Johnson’s family are once again calling for anyone with information about the murder to come forward. The hope is that renewed public attention might unearth new details that could lead to a breakthrough. "For the past 18 years, investigators have continued working on this case," states the press release from San Diego County Crime Stoppers.
Authorities are urging those with information related to the case to contact the SDPD’s Homicide Cold Case Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.sdcrimestoppers.org. For media inquiries, Lt. Jud Campbell is the contact person for the SDPD at (619) 533-5752 or via email at [email protected], and information related to Crime Stoppers can be directed to Officer Mark Herring at (619) 531-1500 or via email at [email protected] or Deputy Emilio Castillero at (619) 531-1547 or via email at [email protected].
