Ammar Lewis Johnson, a 28-year-old Black / African American man, was a beloved figure in his Spokane, Washington community, known for his kind and caring nature. Born in Spokane on July 6, 1993, he was the youngest of five children and a graduate of Lewis and Clark High school. Friends and family remember him as someone who would readily offer help to anyone in need and whose infectious smile left a lasting impression.
He was a gifted athlete, participating in basketball, wrestling, track and field, snowboarding, and his personal favorite, football. His life, however, was tragically cut short on March 2, 2022.
In the early morning hours of that day, an argument erupted in the parking lot of Johnson's apartment on the lower South Hill. The dispute was with 56-year-old Steven B. Bronowski, and according to a witness, it concerned parking spaces. During the verbal altercation, Bronowski directed a racial slur at Johnson. A witness managed to de-escalate the situation, convincing Johnson to return to his apartment. Later, at approximately 5:15 a.m., as Johnson was opening the sliding glass door to his apartment's deck to have a cigarette, he was fatally shot in the head. A witness saw Bronowski's van driving away from the scene immediately after the gunshot.
Spokane police quickly identified Steven Blain Bronowski Sr. as the suspect in the drive-by shooting. Warrants were issued for his arrest on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and drive-by shooting. About two weeks after the incident, Bronowski was apprehended in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on an unrelated matter and was subsequently extradited to Spokane. While in custody, Bronowski admitted in recorded phone calls to being in the parking lot, getting into a confrontation, and using a racial slur. He claimed, however, that he acted in self-defense.
Initially charged with second-degree murder, Bronowski ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. In September 2024, a Spokane County Superior Court judge sentenced him to more than 12 years in prison, a sentence that included a deadly weapon enhancement. The tragic and senseless act brought an end to the life of a young man remembered for his generosity and vibrant spirit.
