Victim fatally shot after a dispute, authorities say
By CHRISTINE VENDEL
The Kansas City Star
A gambling dispute prompted someone to shoot Gail W. Johnson in the back several years ago, relatives say.
He survived.
But a dispute in a dice game Tuesday proved fatal to Johnson, 36, according to Kansas City police.
Jackson County prosecutors on Wednesday charged Raymond L. Jackson, 48, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the 2:30 a.m. shooting death near 50th Street and Walrond Avenue.
Police found the wounded Johnson face down in front of his house. His right front pants pocket had been turned inside out.
Jackson was in jail Wednesday night. His bond was set at $250,000.
Court records gave this account:
Jackson and a friend went to Johnson’s house about 5 p.m. Tuesday. Prior to their arrival, the friend noticed that Jackson had a black revolver, prompting the friend to ask why.
“Well, you know, something might happen,” Jackson allegedly responded.
At Johnson’s house, the three played two hands of dominoes, smoked crack cocaine and drank beer. Jackson then gave Johnson $20 to buy more crack and beer. Johnson returned with “a small amount” of crack and one beer, which angered Jackson.
Nonetheless, the three shared the crack and the beer and continued playing dominoes. Later the game was switched to dice.
The friend left about 1:30 a.m. and went to Jackson’s house, about a block away. Jackson came home later and said Johnson had been shot. Upon further questioning, Jackson allegedly told the friend “he did not mean for the victim to die,” according to court records.
Police arrested Jackson about 4 p.m. Tuesday. He denied involvement in the homicide.
Relatives and neighbors said Johnson repaired autos and served as a handyman. Court records showed Johnson was convicted of forgery in Jackson County last year. He also was wanted for failing to appear in Jackson County for driving while revoked.
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