On December 23, 2018, Springfield, Missouri police opened a homicide investigation after 47-year-old Eugene Johnson was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound at a home on 1053 South Peach Tree Avenue. Officers arrived about 4:07 a.m. after a 911 call reporting a shooting; first responders discovered Johnson deceased and detectives secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses.

Authorities identified and initially detained a suspect, and police later said everyone involved in the altercation was accounted for and there was no ongoing danger to the community. The suspect was released without charges, and family members reported investigators told them the suspect claimed self-defense. No criminal charges for Johnson’s death had been filed at the time.

Johnson, known as Geno, was a Parkview High School graduate remembered for basketball, break dancing, and his dedication to his children. If anyone has information about what happened that night, please share it with Springfield investigators.