End of Watch: Officer Marianne Johnson

In the eerie pre-dawn hours of July 16, 2016, the French Robertson Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was on lockdown. Most inmates were confined, but Dillion Gage Compton, a convicted criminal, was one of twenty inmates working in the kitchen under the supervision of correctional officers, including Officer Mariann Johnson. Hours later, a routine count revealed a chilling reality: Officer Marianne Johnson was missing. Suspicion quickly turned to Dillion Gage Compton, whose earlier suspicious behavior and fresh scratches on his face and neck raised alarms. Forensic evidence would soon give some answers to the heartbreaking reality of Officer Johnson’s murder.  Marianne Johnson is remembered by her family as a loving mother, grandmother, and dedicated officer who served with a sense of duty despite the risks. Correctional Officer deaths, thankfully, are infrequent. But some do give all in the line of duty. Marianne Johnson did. It is with deep sorrow and respect that we honor the life and service of Correctional Officer Marianne Johnson, who passed away in the line of duty on 7/16/2016. Officer Johnson served with dedication and courage, protecting her community and upholding justice within the correctional system. Her End of Watch came on 7/16/2016, marking the end of her brave service but not the impact she made on those she worked with, protected, and inspired. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment, compassion, and sacrifice. Rest in peace, Officer Johnson. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.   Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast).  Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]). ​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.    References: Compton v. State, 666 S.W.3d 685 (Tex. Crim. App. 2023) DiVenti, O. (2018, October 25). “I was raped”: Compton’s 1st victim testifies in sentencing phase of capital murder trial. KTXS. https://ktxs.com/news/big-country/dillion-comptons-first-victim DiVenti, O. (2018a, October 17). Compton convicted of stranger on Stranger rape before killing Abilene Corrections Officer. KTXS. https://ktxs.com/news/abilene/detective-testifies-about-sex-assault-that-landed-dillion-compton-in-prison-where-he-kille Fort-Worth Star Telegram. (n.d.). Marianne Johnson Funeral | fort worth star-telegram. Marianne Johnson funeral. https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article91405237.html Gutschke, L. (2018, November 6). Compton sentenced to death for capital murder of correctional officer Mari Johnson. News. https://eu.reporternews.com/story/news/crime/2018/11/06/dillion-dillon-gage-compton-sentenced-death-capital-murder-prison-guard-mari-marianne-johnson/1903728002/ Jaklewicz, G. (2016, July 22). Mansfield, Texas: Greg Jaklewicz: Getting to know prison guard Mari Johnson before saying goodbye. News. https://eu.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2016/07/22/mansfield-texas-greg-jaklewicz-getting-to-know-prison-guard-mari-johnson-before-saying-goodbye/92208586/ Star-Telegram. (2016, July 20). Mari Johnson Obituary (1960 - 2016) . Legacy.com. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dfw/name/mari-johnson-obituary?id=17767435 Steele, T. (2019, August 24). DeSoto man gets death penalty for murdering guard while in prison for raping 10-year-old. Dallas News. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2018/11/06/desoto-man-gets-death-penalty-for-murdering-guard-while-in-prison-for-raping-10-year-old/