In the early hours of October 16, 2017, in Newport News, Virginia, what initially appeared to be a tragic motorcycle accident on Old Oyster Point Road soon revealed a more sinister reality. Responding to a call just before 2 a.m., officers arrived to find 54-year-old Taari Johnson, a male resident of Newport News, deceased at the scene. It was quickly determined that Johnson had not died from a crash, but rather from a gunshot wound.
Taari Johnson was a retired U.S.
Air Force Master Sergeant who was remembered by friends and family as a cherished mentor, a talented chef, and a loving family man. His sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to mourn the loss of a man described as a 'quiet giant.' A viewing and funeral service were held in the days following his death, with interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens.
The investigation into Johnson's death unfolded as part of a larger federal probe into a violent crime spree that had been terrorizing the Newport News area. This crime wave, which spanned from at least January to November of 2017, involved multiple shootings, robberies, and murders. The investigation revealed that on the night of his death, Johnson had been at Hoss's Deli. After leaving the establishment on his motorcycle, he was followed by his assailants.
Ultimately, two men, Ronzel Monte Dixie, also known as 'Bone' or 'Bizzy,' and Kwaimain Shy'de Redmon, known as 'Kwa,' were identified as the individuals responsible for Johnson's murder. According to evidence presented in court, Dixie fired a Ruger P95 from the passenger window of their vehicle, striking and killing Johnson. Following the shooting, the two men callously rifled through Johnson's pockets and stole his wallet.
In June 2024, a federal jury convicted Dixie and Redmon for their roles in the extensive crime spree, which included the murder of Taari Johnson. In February 2025, both men were sentenced to life in prison for their numerous violent crimes. The successful prosecution brought a measure of closure to the family and friends of Taari Johnson and other victims of the deadly rampage.
