On the evening of June 21, 2024, a tragedy unfolded in Helena, Montana, that cut short the life of Bernadette Ann Johnson, a 42-year-old Caucasian woman. The night took a fatal turn around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and North Washington Street, where Bernadette was fatally shot while inside her vehicle. Emergency services arrived at the scene and transported her to St.
Peter's Health, but she was pronounced dead shortly after 10:00 p.m.
Witnesses at the scene described a harrowing sequence of events. A man, later identified as Kenneth William Greene, who had been in a prior relationship with Bernadette, reportedly used his own car to block her SUV. He then exited his vehicle, approached her SUV, and fired into it before quickly fleeing the scene. This act of violence left the community in shock and mourning the loss of a mother and sister.
In the months that followed, the legal process moved forward. In January 2025, a jury found Kenneth William Greene guilty of felony deliberate homicide for Bernadette's death. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for the crime.
Bernadette Ann Johnson, born on March 13, 1982, was remembered by her loved ones. She was a mother to her children, Amani and Javian. She was also survived by her siblings, Daichi Gardipee, Michael Gardipee Jr., Tyrel Gardipee, Corey Gardipee, and Leslie Wright. Her funeral services were held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, and she was laid to rest in the FourSouls Family Cemetery. The community continues to remember her as they grapple with the sudden and violent loss.
