In the early hours of October 16, 2017, in Newport News, Virginia, 54-year-old Taari Johnson was found dead on Old Oyster Point Road. Responding officers initially treated the scene as a motorcycle crash, but investigators determined Johnson had been killed by a gunshot wound. He was a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, remembered by friends and family as a mentor, a talented chef, and a loving family man; a viewing and funeral were held and he was interred at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Johnson had been at Hoss’s Deli that night and left on his motorcycle. Evidence later showed he was followed; the fatal shot was fired from a vehicle and the suspects rifled through his pockets afterward, taking his wallet. The killing was linked by investigators to a broader string of shootings, robberies and murders affecting the Newport News area in 2017.

If anyone remembers Johnson that night or has information about the attack after he left Hoss’s Deli, please come forward.