Ernest Lee Johnson, born on August 20, 1960 in Steele, Missouri, had a tumultuous childhood. Raised primarily by his grandmother, he faced early challenges as his biological mother struggled with substance abuse problems. Despite these obstacles, Johnson's upbringing was relatively stable until he began to get into trouble with the law.
In 1993, Johnson was first arrested on robbery and burglary charges. This marked the beginning of a downward spiral into a life of crime. Although he was released on parole later that year, Johnson's criminal activities escalated, culminating in the tragic events of February 12, 1994.
On that fateful day, Johnson committed a heinous crime, murdering three convenience store employees during an attempted robbery. The senseless violence shocked the community and led to his arrest. In May 1995, Johnson was convicted on three counts of first degree murder in Boone County, Missouri.
After a week-long trial, the jury deliberated Johnson's fate for only two hours before reaching a verdict. He was sentenced to death by lethal injection, scheduled for October 5, 2021. The swift and decisive nature of the decision reflected the gravity of Johnson's crimes.
Ernest Lee Johnson's case bears similarities to that of former NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez, who was also convicted of multiple murders. Both men were once seen as promising individuals before their lives took a dark turn, leading to irreversible consequences.
Ernest Lee Johnson's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of criminal behavior. His actions not only ended the lives of three innocent individuals but also irrevocably altered the course of his own life. Despite his tragic legacy, Johnson's case will be remembered as a stark reminder of the destructive power of violence and crime.