The Sacramento Police Department is investigating the murder of a 62-year-old man. 

On Monday, February 18, 2013, Walter Johnson passed away at a Sacramento hospital due to medical complications.  The complications arose from being paralyzed after a shooting which occurred almost 36 years earlier.

On April 9, 1977, at approximately 3:48 a.m., Johnson was driving to his parent's home and was approached by three unidentified male Hispanic adults.  The men had blocked the roadway with their car at San Carlos Way between 13^th and 14^th Avenue and were walking toward Johnson who was seated in his vehicle.  Johnson was confronted by the suspects, a struggle ensued and Johnson was ultimately shot in the upper body.  The suspects then robbed Johnson and fled in a red or brown Ford Pinto.  The three suspects were never apprehended. 

Johnson was left paralyzed by the gunshot wound and as a result developed medical issues which eventually caused his death decades later. 

At the time, Robbery Detectives were assigned to the case, evidence was collected and booked and follow-up was conducted, however the case was never solved.  No suspects were identified in the robbery. 

The case is now being investigated as a Homicide by the Sacramento Police Department as well as the Sacramento County Coroner's Office. 

Sacramento Police Case number: 77-16571

Sacramento County Coroner's Case: 13-00961     The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this 1977 crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.