Kathryn Johnston, 92

Atlanta, Georgia
November 21, 2006

Agencies: Atlanta Police Department Georgia

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: over 4 years ago

Overview

Kathryn Johnston was 92 when she was killed in a botched "no knock" drug raid by Atlanta police that was revealed to be based on false information. Officers broke down her security gate and without warning entered her home.As the door opened, Johnston fired the pistol she kept for self-defense, hitting no one. Officers fired back 39 times. Five or six bullets hit Johnston, and several others hit fellow police. Officers later admitted to falsely claiming cocaine submitted into evidence had come from a drug deal at her house, and to planting marijuana at her house after the raid. Officers Jason Smith, Greg Junnier and Arthur Tesler pleaded guilty to charges related to her death and the subsequent coverup. All three received prison time.

Community and Family Efforts

#SayHerName

August 2010 A federal judge has unsealed the FBI's 2008 report detailing its
investigation of the Atlanta police narcotics squad's fatal shooting of
92-year-old Kathryn Johnston.

August 2010 Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that the city of Atlanta will pay the family of 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston $4.9 million. Johnston was shot and killed during a botched drug raid in 2006

November 2011 Fifth Anniversary of shooting of Kathryn Johnston

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