Kenneth William Greene Fatally Shot Bernadette Johnson In Her Suv Near Prospect Ave. And North Washington Street In Helena
In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the community of Helena, Montana, Bernadette Johnson, 42, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred last Friday. The incident, which took place around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and North Washington Street, resulted in Johnson’s death from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Lewis and Clark County Sheriff and Coroner Leo Dutton confirmed the details of the tragic event, reporting that Johnson was transported to St. Peter’s Health where she was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. on June 21.
Details of the Incident
According to court documents and witness testimonies, the sequence of events leading to the shooting began when police were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found Johnson in the driver’s seat of her SUV, suffering from a critical gunshot wound to her chest. Despite the immediate lifesaving efforts by officers and firefighters, Johnson succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect in this heinous crime, identified as Kenneth William Greene, a resident of Helena, has been charged with deliberate homicide. During a hearing in Lewis and Clark Justice Court on Monday, a judge set a substantial bond of $750,000 for Greene.
Prosecutors presented a grim narrative in court, detailing how witnesses saw a man matching Greene’s description block Johnson’s vehicle with his car, exit his vehicle, and then fire into her SUV before fleeing the scene. This account was supported by the discovery of a handgun and the subsequent arrest of Greene at Morrison Park, north of Walmart, early Saturday morning.
Relationship and Background
Court records reveal a troubling history between Greene and Johnson. The two were previously in a relationship, and there were indications that Greene had made threats to harm Johnson. The vehicle involved in the incident was registered to both Greene and Johnson, further suggesting a shared history.
Prosecutors highlighted Greene’s extensive criminal background during the court session, underscoring the danger he poses. Greene’s criminal record includes six violent felony convictions, painting a picture of a man with a long history of violent behavior.
Potential Sentencing
If convicted of deliberate homicide, Greene faces severe legal repercussions. The charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence, reflecting the gravity of the crime and Greene’s prior convictions.
The murder of Bernadette Johnson has left the Helena community in mourning. Friends, family, and community members are grappling with the shock and sorrow of losing a beloved member of their community in such a violent manner.
Local authorities are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward, as the investigation continues. The Helena Police Department and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office are committed to ensuring justice for Johnson and her family.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing issues of domestic violence and gun violence in our society. It is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing these issues proactively to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.
