Annamarie Becchina, a 34-year-old Caucasian woman, was fatally shot on the night of September 20, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident occurred in the 300 block of Lawn Avenue, where police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered Becchina and a male victim, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Becchina was pronounced dead at the scene, while the male victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The investigation into Becchina's death
quickly led to a suspect, Paul E. Johnson, a 56-year-old convicted felon who was present at the scene. Witnesses reported that Johnson had been in an argument with the male victim and had retrieved a shotgun from the garage. During the altercation, Johnson was reportedly poking the other man with the firearm when it discharged. The single blast struck both the man and Annamarie Becchina.
Johnson was taken into custody at the scene and cooperated with police, indicating the location of the shotgun. He claimed that the shooting was accidental. Following the investigation, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office charged Paul E. Johnson with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors requested a bond of $250,000 cash. When officers arrived, Johnson was attempting to perform life-saving measures on Becchina.
