April 30, 2022 – In Breaking News – THE POLICE TRIBUNE
The gunman convicted of shooting two Tulsa police officers in their heads, killing one and severely injuring the other, was sentenced to death on Wednesday.
A Tulsa County jury deliberated for just three hours before rendering the death sentence against 34-year-old David Ware on April 27, KOTV reported.
The jury could have alternatively sentenced Ware to life without the possibility of parole or life with the possibility of parole, according to Tulsa World.
(TPD confirmed Sgt. Craig Johnson died in the line of duty. Courtesy of KJRH -TV | Tulsa | Channel 2 and YouTube. Posted on Jun 30, 2020.)
The jury also spent slightly less than three hours deliberating last week before convicting Ware on charges of first-degree murder and shooting with intent to kill for the 2020 shooting death of 45-year-old Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson and the wounding of 26-year-old Tulsa Police Officer Aurash Zarkeshan, according to Tulsa World.
He was further convicted on additional charges of possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, obstructing an officer, and possession of a firearm after former conviction of a felony.
Ware’s attorney, Kevin Adams, had argued his client was standing his ground against what he felt was unfair and unlawful treatment, and that he shot Sgt. Johnson and Officer Zarkeshan in their heads because he was afraid for his life, Tulsa World reported.
Both officers were shot at close range multiple times, and neither officer drew their weapons during the attack.
(The City of Tulsa honored Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Johnson following his line of duty death when a suspect opened fire upon officers during a traffic stop. Courtesy of KJRH -TV | Tulsa | Channel 2 and YouTube. Posted on Jul 9, 2020.)
District Court Judge Bill LaFortune ruled jurors would not hear instructions on the self-defense consideration because Oklahomans have no legal right to use deadly force to resist an arrest or to resist a traffic stop, Tulsa World reported.
“Today is about accountability,” prosecutors told the jury just before they began deliberations, according to KOTV.
“This is not the first time David Ware got violent with police, but it needs to be the last.”
Ware showed no emotion as the death sentence was handed down on Wednesday, KOTV reported.
Sgt. Johnson’s widow, Kristi Johnson, was surrounded by her husband’s fellow Tulsa police officers as she addressed reporters after the hearing, Tulsa World reported.
(David Ware found guilty on all counts in killing of Tulsa police officer. Courtesy of KOCO 5 News and YouTube. Posted on Apr 25, 2022. Under Oklahoma law, will be transported immediately to McAlester’s death row. Within 90 days of formal sentencing, McKenzie said an execution date is expected to be set for Ware.)
Continue reading… Tulsa PD Sergeant Craig Johnson’s Killer Sentenced To Death
Editor’s note:
Our thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the family of Tulsa Police Sgt. Craig Johnson, both blood, and blue. Thank you for your bravery and commitment to serving the citizens of Oklahoma with pride and distinction Sir. You will not be forgotten.
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