End of Watch: Officer Marianne Johnson

In the eerie pre-dawn hours of July 16, 2016, the French Robertson Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was on lockdown. Most inmates were confined, but Dillion Gage Compton, a convicted criminal, was one of twenty inmates working in the kitchen under the supervision of correctional officers, including Officer Mariann Johnson. Hours later, a routine count revealed a chilling reality: Officer Marianne Johnson was missing. Suspicion quickly turned to Dillion Gage Compton, whose earlier suspicious behavior and fresh scratches on his face and neck raised alarms. Forensic evidence would soon give some answers to the heartbreaking reality of Officer Johnson’s murder.  Marianne Johnson is remembered by her family as a loving mother, grandmother, and dedicated officer who served with a sense of duty despite the risks. Correctional Officer deaths, thankfully, are infrequent. But some do give all in the line of duty. Marianne Johnson did. It is with deep sorrow and respect that we honor the life and service of Correctional Officer Marianne Johnson, who passed away in the line of duty on 7/16/2016. Officer Johnson served with dedication and courage, protecting her community and upholding justice within the correctional system. Her End of Watch came on 7/16/2016, marking the end of her brave service but not the impact she made on those she worked with, protected, and inspired. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment, compassion, and sacrifice.

Rest in peace, Officer Johnson. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

 

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).

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References:

Compton v. State, 666 S.W.3d 685 (Tex. Crim. App. 2023)

DiVenti, O. (2018, October 25). “I was raped”: Compton’s 1st victim testifies in sentencing phase of capital murder trial. KTXS. https://ktxs.com/news/big-country/dillion-comptons-first-victim

DiVenti, O. (2018a, October 17). Compton convicted of stranger on Stranger rape before killing Abilene Corrections Officer. KTXS. https://ktxs.com/news/abilene/detective-testifies-about-sex-assault-that-landed-dillion-compton-in-prison-where-he-kille

Fort-Worth Star Telegram. (n.d.). Marianne Johnson Funeral | fort worth star-telegram. Marianne Johnson funeral. https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article91405237.html

Gutschke, L. (2018, November 6). Compton sentenced to death for capital murder of correctional officer Mari Johnson. News. https://eu.reporternews.com/story/news/crime/2018/11/06/dillion-dillon-gage-compton-sentenced-death-capital-murder-prison-guard-mari-marianne-johnson/1903728002/

Jaklewicz, G. (2016, July 22). Mansfield, Texas: Greg Jaklewicz: Getting to know prison guard Mari Johnson before saying goodbye. News. https://eu.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2016/07/22/mansfield-texas-greg-jaklewicz-getting-to-know-prison-guard-mari-johnson-before-saying-goodbye/92208586/

Star-Telegram. (2016, July 20). Mari Johnson Obituary (1960 - 2016) . Legacy.com. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dfw/name/mari-johnson-obituary?id=17767435

Steele, T. (2019, August 24). DeSoto man gets death penalty for murdering guard while in prison for raping 10-year-old. Dallas News. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2018/11/06/desoto-man-gets-death-penalty-for-murdering-guard-while-in-prison-for-raping-10-year-old/