On July 27, 2016, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a tragic drive-by shooting occurred outside EB's Corner, a bar located at 700 West 5th Street in Winona, Minnesota. A group of patrons was gathered outside the establishment when a vehicle approached, and the driver fired multiple shots into the crowd. Fifty-three-year-old Robert Charles 'Bob' Johnson sustained a gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Another individual, 27-year-old Sean O'Brien, was shot in the leg and hospitalized in stable condition.
Robert Johnson was a well-known musician in the Winona area, renowned for his talent with string instruments and his passion for bluegrass music. Born on August 7, 1962, in Lanesboro, Minnesota, he moved to Winona at the age of four. A 1980 graduate of Winona Senior High School, Bob earned a bachelor's degree in geology from Winona State University and later worked as a geochemist explorer for Conoco Phillips in Alaska. His deep love for music led him to support local musicians, often donating instruments to emerging artists.
The investigation into the shooting swiftly led to the arrest of 49-year-old Winona resident Rickey Darnell Waiters. Witnesses reported that Waiters had initially parked his vehicle in the bar's parking lot but left after a brief confrontation over his parking in a no-parking zone. He returned shortly thereafter, driving by the group and firing multiple shots, striking Johnson and O'Brien. Witnesses recalled hearing Waiters shout references to 'Angel' or 'Hells Angels' during the incident.
Authorities located Waiters' vehicle at 129 West 3rd Street in Winona and arrested him without incident. A. 40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun was recovered from his apartment, and six spent shell casings were found inside his vehicle. Waiters was charged with second-degree murder, drive-by shooting, and assault. If convicted, he faced up to 40 years in prison for the murder charge alone.
In subsequent legal proceedings, Waiters was convicted and sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 15 years for the murder of Robert Johnson and the assault on Sean O'Brien. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime, noting the unprovoked nature of the attack and its devastating impact on the community.
The loss of Robert 'Bob' Johnson was deeply felt in Winona, where he was remembered not only for his musical talents but also for his generosity and commitment to fostering a love of music in others. His family requested that memorials be directed to the Winona Public Schools music department, emphasizing Bob's belief in providing all children with the opportunity to learn and appreciate music.
