Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, February 20, 1983

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson

hello 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

I drove by right after that POS killed Officer Johnson, I am the same age as that kid and couldn't understand how you could just end a life for nothing. To this day I think about that night and mourn the death of a good man and a great police officer.

Frederick Loucks

December 11, 2023

I still miss you my friend. I keep your memory close. Sister in Christ.

FR Michelle Milam-Tokarz
Friend

November 13, 2023

Kirks killer, Tyberg, was paroled from prison fall of 2/22. He spent 39 1/2 years in prison. Hopefully he will not reoffend. Eric Johnson Kirks brother

Eric Johnson

March 11, 2023

Patrolman Johnson,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 20, 2023

Sadly Tyberg was granted parole in the fall of 2022 to San Francisco. He served 40 years behind bars.

Eric Johnson
Brother

January 11, 2023

How could Charles Tyberg be granted parole? That is unconscionable. Has he been released or is it still pending appeal?

Corrie Hanse
San Diego citizen

December 17, 2022

Charles Tyberg, Kirks killer was granted parole. Hearing date 10/14/2021.
Please write letters to Governor Newsom opposing release.
Thank you Eric Johnson Kirks brother.

Brother of Kirk
Brother

October 27, 2021

I remember Officer Johnson, he gave me my first ticket as a 15 year old, don’t remember exactly what it was for. As he was writing the ticket my friends and I missed our bus, so he drove us all home in his squad car. He did things like that throughout his 2 years while he was stationed in my neighborhood, driving kids home to make sure they were safe. That was 40 years ago and I still remember him, and remember how stunned I was when he was killed. Rest In Peace Officer Johnson, your good character is still remembered by those who met you.

Laura Zirino
private citizen

January 24, 2021

Just talked with a chiefs assistant San Diego is considering renaming or putting up a memorial in the park where Kirk was murdered. Was contacted by his partner he has been trying for years to get this done. On the night Kirk was murdered they split them into separate one man patrol cars. This was due to officers calling in sick.
Tyberg is again up for Parole, see my last reflection, it has only been 18 months since the last hearing.
There is a possibility Tyberg will be paroled. California supreme court ruled that only the current threat to society can be considered. No matter how heinous the crime.
Letters opposing parole would be appreciated. Godspeed Eric Johnson Kirks brother

Eric Johnson
Brother Officer Kirk Johnson

August 13, 2020

Again Charles Tyberg is up for a parole hearing. I am Kirks brother and always send a letter opposing parole.
If you want to write a letter opposing parole the information is as follows. On advise of the City of San Diego District Attorney DO NOT list your address or any contact information on the letter opposing parole. Just in case they forget to redact it.
Inmates name: Tyberg, Charles
CDCR# D56352
Hearing date: October 13, 2020 @ 8:30 am
Hearing held @ Deuel Vocational Institution
23500 Kasson Rd.
Tracy, CA 95376
MAIL letter to: Board of Parole Hearings
Attn: Pre-hearing Correspondence
P.O. Box 4036
Sacremento, CA 95812-4036
Thank you for your letters, Eric Johnson brother of Officer Kirk Johnson

Eric Johnson
Kirks brother

June 29, 2020

Muito triste ver essa história, assistir o documentário na tv no canal ID Discovery, lamentável um jovem fazer isto com uma pessoa que estava trabalhando para esconder seus atos. Deveria pegar pena de morte com certeza. Lamento muito pela família principalmente pela esposa. Rosimar Brasil, estado do Espírito Santo cidade de Guarapari.

Rosimar
Telespectador

February 8, 2020

I struggle through February going to again saying good bye to my best friend Officer Kirk Johnson

I wanted to share this because I think of him every day
I worked at my family‘s business when I was a young man and Officer Kirk (as I knew him ) come by and to say hello and he was so kind I remember he would mow lawns for old people on the weekends who couldn’t afford lawn care he was such a kind and generous soul

I’m sure as his family does , I truly miss him so much

I often think of date of the funeral at Emmanuel faith church in Escondido and all the people they came out to honor him including new recruit Shelley Zimmerman ultimately the chief of police for San DiegoAnd I’ve known her for a few years now and I remember meeting me at the funeral

Dr DL Bear Hadjis, Commissioner
County of San Diego crime commission

November 9, 2019

Kirk I remember when I met you during my FTO Phase in 1982. I appreciate all the insight and suggestions you gave me. I am so sorry I was not there for you that awful night. I have never forgotten you. May you find eternal rest in God arms.

Ibrahim (Abe) Armenteros 115JOHN
SDPD 1983

June 5, 2019

Proud to mail my No Parole letter, on behalf of Patrolman Kirk Leland Johnson. To his family, friends and colleagues: I am so sorry for your loss.
To Patrolman Johnson: Thank You for your service and sacrifice; know that you are not forgotten! God Bless You All.

Allie Wroten
Proudly Supporting All L.E.O.’s
Wife of a Corrections Deputy

January 11, 2019

I am Angela McMinn. I am the coordinator of ODMP's No parole program. Eric thank you for getting The info about the upcoming parole hearing to our attention. California is one of five states that I have not yet completed so did not have this in my system. We will get this on our no parole wall and facebook page as well as blog. We will also send emails to everyone signed up to receive the no parole alerts. I am a survivor who went through the parole wars with Daddies killer. Having done so I understand how painful it can be for it to be brought up over and over. If I can assist you or anyone in your family or if you just want someone to talk to that has been there you can reach me through my email [email protected]. Feel free to contact me anytime. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Angela Mcminn Survivor

December 6, 2018

Again Kirk's killer is up for parole.
He is Charles Tyberg CDCR # 56352. Send letters opposing parole to City of San Diego District Attorney's office. They attend every hearing.
For the record Tyberg was sentenced to 17 years to life.
Eric Johnson Kirk's brother.
Godspeed

Eric D Johnson
Brother

December 3, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You honored and remembered on the 35th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 20, 2018

I was just a month shy of 9 years old when Kirk was murdered. Kirk attended my church and for whatever reason, I was drawn to him. I called him "papa Kirk" and sat with him and Patty on most Sundays. He was always so kind and gentle when I would run to greet him, and would quietly scoot over to make room for me on the pew. Even though I was young, I will never forget when we heard what had happened. Our church body mourned....I was devestated. I have never forgotten him, his life and his death made an impact on me that continues today. His grave is just down the hill from where my grandparents are laid to rest...whenever we go to the cemetary, we stop by to lay flowers and share memories and thoughts of this hero, friend, and loved one who was taken far too soon.

Tricia Woodward
Friend

February 15, 2018

In 19 days, it will have been 35 years since that night in that dark unlit canyon parking lot. I will never forget finding Kirk and thinking I was going to be next. The sound of sirens coming to cover, pulling him from the car and performing CPR... the faces of my partners, Kathy, Moe.. the Sheriff's helicopter and a ground foot search... so many details... so much blood. Cold and quiet, sitting, waiting to be interviewed then finally allowed to wash off his blood. It haunts me to this day. His death changed my life and so many others. It's a silent burden we all carry, a mark upon our souls. God bless you and keep you Kirk.

Mark Varnau - Sgt.
SDSO - Formerly SDPD 112J

February 1, 2018

Officer Kirk was my Best friend and a brother in Christ

My parents owned a Dry Cleaners just near the doughnut shop on Governer drive

We spent so much time together as a young man
I was at the funeral in Escondido , Emanual Faith
It was there I met a new officer Shelly Zimmerman now the cheif of police for San Diego
I am in honor of the opportunity to know her now and officer Kirk then
As a young man I found it funny Kirk would spend his off time mowing the lawns of old ladies

He was the Best !!!!!

Dr DL Bear Hadjis
Commissioner
County of San Diego Crime Commission

Dr DL Bear Hadjis, Commissioner
County of San Diego Crime Commission

February 7, 2017

Recent shooting made me think back. Kirk was my cousin and I have never forgotten about him. Great to see other s have not forgotten either

Jim Johnson

July 30, 2016

33 years. Just wanted you to know your friends still remember.

Michelle L Milam
SDPD - Friend

February 11, 2016

Kirks killer is in a rehabilitation and training prison, his Parole hearing speed up. Looks as people who kill police officers will get the second chance they do not deserve. Thanks to all police officers for doing a job most of us do not have the courage to do. Godspeed

Eric Johnson.
Brother

January 17, 2016

It's time to Honor Kirk. Rename the park where he died in his honor. We should never forget. 112J - First Officer on Scene.

Mark Varnau - Sgt.
SDSO - Formerly SDPD

December 22, 2015

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