Former Kansas City police officer convicted of murder in Northland Walmart shooting
On Friday, a Platte County jury found a former Kansas City police officer guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the 2024 shooting of a 71-year-old man outside a Northland Walmart.
Taquiza Johnson, 49, is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on Sept. 14. Johnson had previously pleaded not-guilty in the death of Ronald Barnett. The Platte County jury recommended life imprisonment for the murder charges and 15 years imprisonment for the armed criminal actions.
Eric Zahnd, Platte County prosecuting attorney, was quoted in a Tuesday news release: “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. This brazen killing in broad daylight is simply unbelievable.”
The shooting occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2024, outside the Walmart Supercenter in the 8600 block of North Boardwalk Avenue.
Former Kansas City police officer convicted of murder
Johnson and Barnett began arguing when Johnson thought Barnett’s car got too close to him in the crosswalk, according to the news release.
Johnson then parked directly behind Barnett’s SUV and exited the car with a gun behind his back. After another argument, Johnson shot Barnett in the abdomen. Barnett was taken to North Kansas City Hospital where he died.
“The defendant, who testified in his own defense, said the victim threatened his life and used racial epithets,” the news release states.
However, the jury rejected Johnson’s assertions that he acted in self-defense. Zahnd said, “The defendant argued that he was only defending himself because of the earlier threats made to his life by the victim, but the defendant admitted on the witness stand during cross-examination that the victim was not armed and he did not see a weapon of any kind in the victim’s hand.”
The shooting was captured on surveillance video, and police identified several witnesses.
Taquiza Johnson’s history with KCPD
Johnson was an officer with the Kansas City Police Department from November 2004 to February 2014, according to court documents.
The type of pistol Johnson allegedly used in the shooting — a Glock 22 — is the most commonly used type of service weapon for American police officers, according to its manufacturer.
Barnett’s daughter Elizabeth Moon filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Johnson in Platte County Court in February 2025.
Prior to the murder, Johnson filed a federal lawsuit against another former KCPD officer, who he alleges violated his civil rights during an altercation after Johnson left the force. The lawsuit was terminated on March 4, 2025.
This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 3:02 PM.
