A.J. Alexander, “On Jake Alexander Boulevard, on the front lawn of the radio station was a sign that said, “Our Unborn Matter.”  Even before the highest court in the land handed down its decision, my response to that sign was always the same,  ‘They Are Born.’  For Mr. Steven Ray Johnson, I ask:  Where was his right to life? Why did his life not matter?”

I am concerned about an article that appeared in the Sunday, June 26, Salisbury Post newspaper.  The front page article is entitled: “Officer shoots, kills man with knife.”

I have been waiting for a follow-up report on this case.  I do not know the victim, Steven Ray Johnson, but this incident is very troubling to me.

I am disturbed because (1) the man was in an accident, (2) was the man trying to get away from someone when his vehicle struck a tree? (3) did he sustain head injuries as a result of the accident? (4) was he traumatized and/or confused? and (5) why did those professionals who are supposed to protect and serve not try to talk him down, use a taser, and if the use of a gun was truly necessary, why not shoot him in the leg or some other non-life threatening part of his body?  Did he have to be killed just because he hit a tree?

Mr. Johnson was a human being. I could and still can be that person. I have family members, friends, students (former and current), neighbors, and just humans in general who could find themselves in a similar situation.  This does not make sense.  It sincerely hurts my heart.  It is so frustrating to know that some people care more about guns and bullets than human beings.  Where is the accountability for this tragedy?

On Jake Alexander Boulevard, on the front lawn of the radio station was a sign that said, “Our Unborn Matter.”  Even before the highest court in the land handed down its decision, my response to that sign was always the same, “Until They Are Born.”  For Mr. Steven Ray Johnson, I ask:  Where was his right to life? Why did his life not matter?

Salisbury Post Editor’s note: The SBI has not released a report on the shooting investigation.

Arnethia “A.J.”  Alexander