An Oregon man who fatally shot a police officer while responding to a disturbance call will spend decades behind bars.
A Malheur County District Judge Lung Hung sentenced Rene Castro to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the shooting death of Nyssa Reserve Police Corporal Joseph Johnson, 43. To avoid being convicted of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, Castro pleaded guilty to aggravated murder.
“Anything I say, can’t bring JJ back. You did a horrible thing. You ended a man’s life,” said Hung during the sentencing hearing, according to Argus Observer.
On the morning of April 15, 2023, Johnson, who is a full-time mental health officer at the Snake River Correctional Institution, responded to a disturbance call when he was fatally shot while sitting in his patrol car. Soon, authorities identified the 37-year-old Castro as the suspect in the death of the victim. Two days later, the defendant was arrested and placed in custody after law enforcement officials surrounded his home, which was located near the crime scene.
“We’ve lost a really good man. His wife and his children are without their husband and father. But we’re never going to forget him, and we’ve dedicated this park to Joe,” said Nyssa's Mayor after the sentencing, reported Idahonews 6.
The park was dedicated to Johnson, and the Nyssa Police and Fire Departments recently played a game in his honor.
Castro was ordered to pay $103,559.79 in restitution and will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
Johnson worked with Nyssa Police Department for five years and was survived by his wife and two children.
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