Dominik Johnson

Dominik Terae Johnson, a 28-year-old Black man from Denver, is remembered by loved ones for his "cheesie smile" and unique laugh. To friends and family, he was also known as "Tarae" and "Stink," and he was a father to at least one son. His life was celebrated by his community, but his future was stolen during a holiday gathering that ended in violence.

The evening of July 4, 2011, was meant for celebration in Denver. Dominik was attending an Independence Day party in the city's Northeast Park Hill neighborhood when an argument broke out. Later that night, around 9:51 p.m., the dispute spilled out into a parking lot at the Elm Park Townhomes in the 3200 block of Dahlia Street. According to police reports, Dominik was talking with two individuals when they opened fire. Another account states that unknown suspects walked up to the party and began shooting.

In the chaos that followed, Dominik was struck by a single gunshot to the chest. Denver Police Department officers who were called to the scene found him gravely wounded. He was rushed to Denver Health Medical Center, but doctors were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner later officially ruled his death a homicide.

The investigation into Dominik Johnson’s murder was launched immediately by the Denver Police Department. Detectives worked the scene and interviewed potential witnesses from the holiday party, but details about the suspects remained scarce. The individuals who confronted Dominik in the parking lot have never been publicly identified, and no arrests have ever been made in connection with his killing. The weapon used in the shooting was not recovered, and a clear motive has not been established.

In the days following his death, Dominik’s family and friends gathered to mourn their loss. A funeral service was held at the King Baptist Church on Ivy Street, with a viewing for loved ones to say their final goodbyes. In the years since, friends have left messages on his online obituary page, remembering his voice and his presence, with one writing, "Still missing u. I appreciate u coming to check on me in my dreams. Til we meet again friend."

As of July 2011, the investigation into Dominik Johnson’s death is classified as a cold case, overseen by the Denver Police Department's Cold Case Unit. His is one of many unsolved homicides from that year in the city, leaving a family without answers and a community with an open wound. The person or persons responsible for his murder remain at large. Authorities continue to ask for the public's help, and a reward of up to $2,000 has been offered by Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Denver Police Department at 720-913-2000 or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip line at 720-913-STOP (7867).