DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – A former Farmers Branch police officer who was convicted of murder and aggravated assault last month has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
A Dallas County jury handed down the sentence Tuesday afternoon, following two days of deliberations.
Ken Johnson was found guilty last month, stemming from an incident almost two years ago when he chased two teenagers in his car while he was off duty after they broke into his vehicle.
Surveillance video showed Johnson ramming the boys’ car, then approaching them and opening fire.
16-year-old Jose Cruz was killed in the shooting and his friend was seriously injured.
During testimony, Johnson said he reacted so swiftly to chase the teens because the car they were driving in was reported to be involved in several burglaries.
“Call after call after call. They just kept terrorizing the city just about every day. So, I knew I had to catch him…to do something,” he said.
During the sentencing phase, several of Jonhson’s family members testified on his behalf, saying that he was not the monster that he was being portrayed as.
Dallas County District Attorney Faith issued a statement about the sentence that read in part.
“Although not in uniform, Ken Johnson took an oath to protect and serve. On that night in March 2016, Mr. Johnson violated that oath by shooting two teenagers, killing one of them. I want to thank the jury for their service and for their open-mindedness to the severity of the crime and we respect their decision,” said DA Johnson. “We are grateful for the sacrifices our law enforcement officers have made by choosing this noble profession. But it is important to remember, when an officer commits a crime, he too has to be held responsible for his actions. The criminal justice system must be blind to her defendants. We will continue to pray for Mr. Cruz’s family and Mr. Rodriguez and his family. We are also praying for Mr. Johnson and his family as well. We hope that this outcome is another step towards healing for everyone involved.”
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