A Platte County jury recommended life in prison for Taquiza Johnson after the death of 71-year-old Ronald Barnett.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former Kansas City police officer was convicted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the 2024 shooting death of a 71-year-old man outside a Walmart, prosecutors said.
Taquiza Johnson, 49, was found guilty by a Platte County jury in the killing of Ronald Barnett. The shooting happened Aug. 21, 2024, in the parking lot of a Walmart near the Shops at Boardwalk in Kansas City’s Northland. Jurors also recommended that Johnson be sentenced to life in prison, though the final sentence will be decided by a judge.
The case centered on a short confrontation that turned deadly after Barnett pulled into the store parking lot. Prosecutors said surveillance video showed Barnett parking in a handicapped space before Johnson later parked behind him. Johnson got out of his vehicle with a gun behind his back before the confrontation, prosecutors said. Moments later, Barnett was shot in a driving lane outside the store.
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said the shooting was a violent and unnecessary act in a public place. “This defendant, a previously sworn KCPD officer, used his former duty weapon to kill Mr. Barnett in a driving lane at Walmart after an argument,” Zahnd said. He called the broad-daylight killing “simply unbelievable.”
During trial, prosecutors said the argument began after Johnson believed Barnett had driven too close to him while Johnson was walking in a crosswalk. Johnson testified that Barnett threatened him and used racial slurs during the exchange. Prosecutors said the evidence showed Johnson drove away, then returned and parked behind Barnett’s SUV before confronting him.
Barnett was taken to North Kansas City Hospital after the shooting and died later that night. Authorities said Johnson drove away after the gunfire. The shooting drew attention because Johnson had once served with the Kansas City Police Department. Police officials said Johnson worked for the department from December 2003 until February 2014 and was not an officer at the time of the killing.
Barnett’s family said the verdict brought relief after nearly two years of court proceedings, though relatives had expected a first-degree murder conviction. His daughter, Elizabeth Moon, said the family was shocked by the lesser conviction but pleased that jurors recommended life in prison. Barnett’s obituary said he was survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, five siblings and his cat, Sammie.
The jury’s recommendation is not binding, but it is expected to weigh heavily when the court decides Johnson’s punishment. Formal sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14. Until then, Johnson remains convicted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in Barnett’s death.
Author note: Last updated July 2, 2026.