Remembering Cassie Johnson: Five Years After Charleston’s Tragic Loss

• Dec. 1, 2020 marked the fatal shooting of Patrolman Cassie Johnson during a routine call in Charleston, West Virginia.
• Johnson was killed after responding to a parking complaint and encountering Joshua Phillips, who shot her following a confrontation.
• Phillips was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
• The Charleston Police Department commemorates Johnson’s legacy on the fifth anniversary of her death with a special bench dedication near her gravestone.

Cassie Johnson’s Legacy: Five Years On

It’s December 2025, and the city of Charleston is marking five years since the loss of Patrolman Cassie Johnson—a name that carries both the weight of tragedy and the enduring spirit of public service. For Charleston Police, her death isn’t just an entry in the department’s somber records; it’s a reminder of how the most routine calls can turn into moments that change lives forever.

Cassie Johnson was dispatched on December 1, 2020, to Garrison Avenue for what should have been a straightforward parking complaint. Someone’s car was blocking others, and her job was simply to ask the owner to move it. But as Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey would later recount, “She found out where he was in a house nearby and made contact with him. He had decided today’s not the day unfortunately.”

The man behind the wheel, Joshua Phillips, escalated what should have been a mundane interaction. In the ensuing confrontation, he produced a firearm and shot Johnson. Despite suffering a mortal wound, Johnson managed to return fire, injuring Phillips before succumbing to her injuries two days later at CAMC hospital.

The Human Side of Law Enforcement

For those who knew Cassie, her death hit especially hard. “Cassie had such passion for the job and a big heart. She always was very good at speaking with people and just had a kind heart,” Chief Dempsey shared in an interview with WCHS Network. In a profession often defined by its dangers, it’s easy to forget the humanity behind the badge. Johnson wasn’t just an officer; she was a compassionate figure who believed in serving her community, one conversation at a time.

Her colleagues, still grappling with the loss years later, see her as a symbol—a daily reminder that no call is ever truly routine. As Dempsey put it, “You have to treat every call very seriously because you just don’t know what’s around the corner or who you’re going to run into. The simplest calls can turn very bad, very quickly.”

Justice and Reflection

Joshua Phillips, the man responsible for Johnson’s death, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison. The trial and its aftermath served as a painful but necessary chapter for the department and the city. It forced everyone—officers, officials, and citizens alike—to re-examine the risks that come with protecting a community.

The emotional toll of such incidents reverberates far beyond the courtroom. For the Charleston Police Department, each anniversary is a chance to remember not just the sacrifice, but the daily reality faced by those in uniform. Officers are reminded internally of Johnson’s legacy, and this year, her family has chosen to dedicate a bench near her gravestone—a tangible marker of remembrance in a world that too often moves on.

Enduring Lessons from a Tragedy

The story of Cassie Johnson is more than a headline. It’s an enduring lesson for law enforcement everywhere. Her death, described by Chief Dempsey as an “even bigger tragedy because of who she was,” underscores the unpredictable nature of police work. Even a parking complaint—a task most would consider low-risk—can spiral into life-threatening danger.

For the Charleston Police Department, Johnson’s story is now woven into the training of new recruits and the culture of vigilance among veterans. “That was my exact message to our rank and file officers at the time,” Dempsey said. “You have to treat every call very seriously because you just don’t know what’s around the corner or who you’re going to run into.”

As the city participates in the bench dedication, there’s a sense of quiet reflection. It’s a moment to honor not just Johnson’s service, but the resilience of those who continue to put themselves in harm’s way—often for the simplest of reasons.

The Broader Conversation: Routine Calls and Unseen Risks

Cassie Johnson’s story isn’t unique in the annals of law enforcement, but its impact is felt deeply in Charleston. Her legacy prompts a broader conversation about what it means to serve, the risks officers face, and how communities can best support those who protect them. The bench, placed near her gravestone, becomes more than a memorial—it’s a symbol of vigilance, respect, and the enduring connection between public servants and the people they serve.

In the five years since Johnson’s death, Charleston has seen changes in protocols and renewed commitments to officer safety. The lessons from her tragedy echo in every briefing, every training session, and every moment of hesitation before responding to a call.

The fifth anniversary of Cassie Johnson’s death is both a solemn milestone and a rallying point. Her story challenges us to remember the humanity behind every uniform and to recognize that even the simplest moments can hold unforeseen consequences. In honoring her sacrifice, Charleston renews its commitment to vigilance, compassion, and the enduring bonds that hold a community together.