KPTV - FOX 12Vigil planned for man shot and killed near Aloha grocery store

Vigil planned for man shot and killed near Aloha grocery store

Friends and family are mourning the loss of a young father shot to death in what may have been a dispute over child custody.

22-year-old Ryan Johnson was shot and killed Thursday outside of an Aloha Thriftway store. The accused gunman is the father of Johnson's ex-girlfriend, 52-year-old Jeffrey Johnson.

Both men have the same last name but are not related.

An autopsy concluded that Ryan Johnson died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

"I can't make sense of it," said Amy Johnson, Ryan's mother who said Ryan's smile and spirit would instantly light up a room.

"Everybody will always remember his generosity," said Johnson.  "He always wanted to make people laugh."

The victim's family tells FOX 12 Jeffery Johnson is father to Ryan Johnson's ex girlfriend, and grandfather to their 3-year-old son. 

Investigators are not commenting on a possible motive, but Ryan's family said a custody battle had been playing out in court.

Ryan Johnson's  facebook page revealed a post which alleges Jeffrey allegedly offered Ryan 50-thousand dollars to give up all rights to custody of his son.

"He's been offering him (Ryan) $50,000 to walk away, and Ryan has repeatedly said, ‘no, that's my child. There is no price on my child.'" Amy Johnson told Fox 12.

"He wanted to be a good father.  He fought to see his son," said Johnson.

Family said taking care of his son was Ryan's top priority.  He was working to become a firefighter, going to PCC and holding down a job, according to his mother.

She said he was a role model to his younger siblings.

"He was a big protector for us," said Deandre Woods, one of Ryan's brothers.

"It's just so unreal, still unreal for all of us," said Woods.  "He was close to a lot of people's hearts."

Ryan Johnson graduated from Aloha High School in 2008 where he wrestled, ran track and played football.

A candlelight vigil for Ryan Johnson is planned for Saturday Jan. 28th at the Aloha High School football field from 8pm to 11pm.

A memorial fund for Ryan Johnson has also been set up though US Bank.

Meanwhile, the accused killer, Jeffery Johnson, pleaded not guilty to murder charges Friday.

He will be back in court Feb. 3rd. 

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Jan. 26, 2012: Man fatally shot outside busy Aloha grocery store

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