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December 27, 2009 in Idaho, Region
2 shot in downtown CdA; suspect is noted businessman
Adam M. Johnson, 25, was arrested early Sunday, accused of a shooting in downtown Coeur d’Alene that left one person in critical condition.
(Full-size photo)
Two Moses Lake men visiting family for Christmas were shot in downtown Coeur d’Alene early Sunday, one critically.
Bystanders overpowered the suspected gunman, 25-year-old Adam M. Johnson, and were holding him down when police arrived in the 200 block of Sherman Avenue after a 911 call about 12:44 a.m.
In critical condition Sunday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle was Brandon R. Burgess, 25, who suffered a gunshot wound to his stomach, authorities said. The second victim, Bradley J. Phillips, 25, was shot in the leg and is expected to survive.
Johnson, who’s being held without bail at the Kootenai County Jail, is president and CEO of Convertec, a Coeur d’Alene-based independent telecommunications company. He’s also on the board of directors for the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce.
According to Coeur d’Alene police, Phillips and Burgess argued with Johnson at a downtown bar, the Underground, below Brix restaurant on Sherman Avenue, earlier Saturday night before running into him again as they rounded the corner of 3rd Street onto Sherman after leaving another bar.
Johnson was walking east on Sherman, police said.
“Witnesses stated the suspect exchanged words with the victims and then pulled a handgun and fired several rounds at that group of people,” police said in a news release. “Witnesses quickly overpowered the suspect and pulled him to the ground.”
Phillips was shot in the knee and transported to Kootenai Medical Center, where he is expected to survive. Burgess, who was shot in the abdomen, is “fighting for his life,” said Sgt. Christie Wood.
Johnson was treated for head injuries he suffered while being restrained by witnesses, police said. His jail booking photo shows numerous facial bruises.
“People were pretty forthcoming about tackling the guy and beating him up after the shooting,” Wood said. “There were just a ton of people down there that spilled out of the bars.”
Witnesses say bullets hit at least one parked car, which has been seized as evidence.
Johnson was booked into Kootenai County Jail at 8:20 a.m. Sunday on one count of attempted murder, according to jail records. He’s due in Kootenai County District Court today, a jail employee said.
The shooting closed Sherman Avenue from 2nd Street to 3rd Street.
The downtown bars had been packed with young people home for Christmas, Wood said.
“My son was probably 50 yards away,” Wood said.
In May, a college student home for Mother’s Day weekend died after being shot outside a downtown Coeur d’Alene nightspot.
Victim Tim Wolfe, 21, had argued with the suspect, Juan C. Aldana Villanueva, 22, at a bar earlier that night.
“It gets very personal for parents, even though these are adult children,” Wood said. “It’s very frightening to think about them getting in a bar fight and it turning tragic like that.”
Sex trafficking suspects released as probe continues 
soundbarrier on December 27 at 2:59 p.m.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/20/a-big-impact/
What a bad follow-up to a rather positive newspaper story from December 20. I don’t think this guy’s Big Brother would approve of what he just did.
zelda on December 27 at 3:31 p.m.
The bar’s set pretty low for CEOs nowadays.
Pat O'Leary on December 27 at 3:45 p.m.
Ah yes, another responsible gun owner. If the other two had been packing heat, there probably would have been no injuries. Let’s get more guns on the streets and make it safer for all.
SugarShane on December 27 at 3:57 p.m.
Ahh the joys of alcohol, the safe LEGAL drug of choice for America. Alcohol-Bringing you more barfights and early deaths since it’s invention. Total deaths from Cannabis since being put into use some 5000 years ago, 0. Drug Law reform NOW!
Tony42 on December 27 at 4:43 p.m.
Try terrible reporting of a story not checking your facts. I know Adam personally and have many friends who were there on the scene. The guys who got shot were in the bar earlier looking for fights pushing people knocking drinks out of peoples hands. Saying gang slurs like “Moses lake represent” Adam is a rotary club member, chamber member, better business member and countless other community orginazations, he carried a gun for protection as it is his right to.
He was jumped and fired his gun from the ground in self-defense. You want to talk and act like a gangster and attack innocent people you should be prepared for the consequences when the person you are attacking fights back.
Lefty on December 27 at 4:53 p.m.
Good point Sugar, smoked weed for years, never wanted to fight when I was stoned, but we would drink liquor and go look for fights— CBN!!!! Cannibis Bars Now!!!
TB26 on December 27 at 5:25 p.m.
I also know Adam personally and he is not anyone who would do anything like that unless he felt threatened. I can tell you right now that the witnesses are not the ones who tackled and beat him after he fired his gun. He was beat by a group of kids who thought they were bad ass and wanted to start fights. They were starting fights all night long with any and everyone. It just so happened that they ran into someone which was Adam who was by himself, they beat the crap out of him and he fired while he was on the ground getting beat.
I am not saying anyone deserves to get shot but I would love for people to get there facts straight and realize that Adam was doing what he could do in self defense. And I am praying that the guy who got shot survives.
haveastogie on December 27 at 5:49 p.m.
I don’t know Adam as I don’t know the victims. With that said, it sounds as though the victims were antagonizing Adam and (others) all nite. Pushing; knocking glasses out of hands. Terribly rude - the victims should have been 86’d out of the bars, right? long before this happened. Adam apparently left. Yet they followed and beat Adam to a pulp; kicked him when he was down. Forcibly inflicted head trauma. Only to have him defend himself the only way he could. Otherwise, would Adam have been left there, with extensive head injuries? What was Adam supposed to do?
Bent on December 27 at 6:09 p.m.
Check out the conversation about this shooting at huckleberries online: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/2009/dec/27/hbo-comes-through-reporter/#comments
kjml on December 27 at 7:18 p.m.
I personally know every single one of the boys from Moses Lake and I will admit, I can certainly see them antagonizing someone with words, but NEVER getting physical for no reason. We have plenty of idiots in our own hometown if they really wanted to pick a fight, I don’t think they felt the need to go out of town to do it. One of them told me that Adam was intoxicated and ran into one of them making them drop their drink and refused to buy another one and Im sure there was an exchanging of words from both sides, but is that really a reason to get a gun involved?? Apparently from what I hear (and I don’t know this Adam fellow at all so this is completely one sided, but Im just stating what Ive heard) is that Adam got kicked out of the bar and thats what really angered him since the other boys were allowed to stay. I know that these boys aren’t so hot-headed to jump one guy when there were 5-6 of them. Im pretty sure they wouldn’t get much satisfaction from that. Regarless, I think most people would get some black eyes and a few missing teeth before they go shooting into a GROUP (innocent people included) of people. The moses boys may take a few swings but they wouldnt have put the guy in the hospital by any means. Im not saying they are angels but they wouldn’t shoot at anyone.
AxE on December 27 at 7:23 p.m.
From the booking photo, it appears that Johnson was the victim of some rather ruthless lying people. One does not restrain a person by beating the crap out of them.
Johnson has some pretty significant bruises to his face.
I’ll wait till the facts come in, unlike others posting.
So why did they ship one of the shooting victims over to Harberview in Seattle. I thought was had a class I trauma center here? Did homeland security make him take his shoes off, go through the x-ray machine?
12_2009 on December 27 at 9:00 p.m.
to AxE- I have to fully agree with you- The news states that the bystanders “restrained” him—Looks a little more like he was beat to a pulp— Those are some serious bruises and major swelling
Adam has been a friend of mine for about 13 years- we grew up together. He is one of my closest friends. Adam is a dignified business man. He took pride in being a young, well off CEO of his own highly successful company. Not many local 25yr olds can boast that. Why in the world would he shoot someone and jeopardize his life, business, career etc?!! He was the type of person you could count on. In all the years I have known him, I have never seen him lose his temper. He has never “flashed” his gun around (like certain people are stating)
Adam did what any human being would do with the circumstance-He defended himself- whether it be with a knife, a gun, a bat etc. He did what he had to do to survive- It doesnt take many punches or kicks to the head to severely injure someone not to mention he was on concrete!! This is all self defense and I know once the facts start coming out, you will see that the young, intelligent, charismatic businessman is “innocent” and should not be sitting in jail with murder charges. How can he be charged with Murder when the guy is still alive??? hmmm…
spokelooneh on December 27 at 9:18 p.m.
12_2009, have you hung around Johnson when he was inebriated and hassled/taunted by somebody? Unless you have, you have no basis to know if he’d lose his temper or not in this kind of a situation. I’ve seen it happen many times. Nicest guy in the world turns into a complete arsehole after consuming copious of alcohol.
The report says “attempted murder”, are you unable to pay attention?
hmmmm indeed.
12_2009 on December 27 at 9:26 p.m.
to spokelooneh
I’ve been around him NUMEROUS times downtown whether he was the DD or not and yes when someone had a problem with him and tried to start something, he’s always walked away— Have you hung out with him???? My guess is no.
And many news articles previous to them being “updated” said that he was sitting in jail on murder charges- thank goodness for the corrections— I would be lost without you “attempting” to put me in my place.
DHML on December 27 at 10:33 p.m.
As A Business owner and father of the one who is in Seattle I would ask why is a business owner carrying a gun in a bar this is not legal unless you in Idaho have different laws than Washington. I also carry a weapon that I use for so called self defense. Not one of these guys have any gang ties not one of them would ever shoot someone unless they had a gun pulled on them when you pull out a gun and point it at someone whether you are a business man chamber member rotary member it makes no difference you should expect that a person on the other end of that gun expects to be shot. The guys with my son did what they had to to protect him and who ever else may have been in the way of his bullets. Not only did this young man affect his life, my life, my sons life and everyone else who was there he made a bad choice pulling his gun out. I would ask that unless you were there keep your comments to yourself the judge and jury will decide who is guilty or innocent. I would gladly buy everyone in the bar a drink verses having my son in the condition he is in right now.
JIT on December 27 at 11:54 p.m.
What they say in this article is NOT true, I was the first one there I watched the bullets fly at the guys that did this to him FIRST, and I was the only one that held him down. no one else touched him. I grabed this shooter and took him to the ground and he did not reseset for one second. not “Witnesses quickly overpowered the suspect and pulled him to the ground.”
I think the SR needs to be talking to the people that were on the seen, not three blocks away from it, or sitting in an office miles away.
These guys where beating the crap out of Adam while he was down on the ground, it was a four on one, I was the first person to grab him and did not for a second recognize his face cause it was beat so bad, I put him on the ground and held him down for at least 5 minutes his face was covered with blood. It is a tragedy when four guys in a bar decide to beat one guy to death. you don’t have to have a gun to kill a person and what Adam did was in self defense.
Tony42 on December 27 at 11:55 p.m.
DHML I absolutely agree with you and feel terrible about the whole situation I know Holly and Alecia is one of my long time very good friends. I didn’t realize the connection when I posted my intial response. Carrying a gun in that situation is a horrible lapse in judgement and no one should ever carry a gun when they are drinking. Adam will pay for this mistake for the rest of his life. My beef in this whole situation has been the news reporting. They reported the situation as if some innocent family was walking down the street and some street thug (adam) popped out of nowhere and began firing into a crowd.
I’ve spent every weekend with Adam the last 5 months, however last night I decided to stay in. I talked to him less than an hour before this happened. I can say this is not within his character. I could not imagine him ever doing something like this without being in absolute fear for his life.
This should have never happened and my prayers go out to your son :(
JIT on December 28 at 12:14 a.m.
TO DHML,
I am truly sorry about what happen to your son, and I pray to god that he recovers as quickly as possible, I was there for your son on the ground, me and my friend were giving him CPR till the paramedics arrived. I was celebrating a friend’s B.D party at the underground, and happen to see what your son and his rude friends that were looking for a fight all night did to this man as they were walking by him. I am telling you sir, this could have been YOU. This shooter had no choice, this damage was done to his face before the gun was fired.
Jme on December 28 at 12:25 a.m.
To all of you who can even possibly sit here and defend this man that put a guy that is 26 years old in the hospital from a gunshot wound, shame on all of you. Have you walked into that hospital room and seen what condition he is in? Do you know that he almost lost his life from the loss of blood, and if it wasn’t for the doctors who took charge he possibly wouldn’t be in that hospital bed still fighting right now? You all say that you have seen this picture of “Adam” and he looks like the victim, well you should see the picture of Brandon Burgess laying in his hospital bed with tubes coming out everywhere not being able to move and then you sit here and tell me who the hell is the victim. The guy got beat up because he was firing a gun at a group of people! I can guarantee you 100% this guys life was no where close to being in danger and he deserved every punch he got. I thank god for the friends who took charge of because if they wouldn’t have there would be even more victims and who knows how much worse the outcome would have been. How else do you defend someone with a gun pointing at you? You would do the exact same thing if you were in that situation and if you think any differently you are lying to yourself. All of you sit here and say stuff about him being in business, please tell me why the hell that even matters? Just cause someone has a good job means nothing about who they are and what they are capable of doing. I hope this shows all of you what kind of man you thought you knew, because he had no right to do what he did, he wasn’t threatened or jumped or beat up until after he fired his weapon. To think you all are so selfish and self centered to not put yourself in the other side of the situation cause if you did your whole response would change so how dare any of you defend him for almost killing a man. I will never forgive that man for what he did to my friends, he deserves everything that his coming to him. I wish someone could send him a picture of what he’s done so he can wake up to it everyday and hate himself everyday of his life until the day he dies, i hope he will never forgive himself for what he has done to Brandon Burgess. My prayers are with the family and friends of the man who deserves them.
DSST on December 28 at 12:26 a.m.
the shooter definitely had a choice, and it was a poor one. Now not only has he affected his own life he’s affected another family’s life as well.
361degrees on December 28 at 12:29 a.m.
JME, you are speaking purely from emotions. The law is the law and if Mr. Johnson was acting in self defense than he “legally” did nothing wrong.
JIT on December 28 at 12:43 a.m.
JME, you were not on this seen, I was. and your boys from Moses Lake were looking for a fight all night long. Brandon Burgess maybe is a good guy that was hanging with the wrong peoeple. like I said I pray to god that he recovers as quickly as possible.
AxE on December 28 at 5:07 a.m.
I think all the looners posting should hold off till this is thoroughly investigated. You might be poisoning quite a few future jury members.
If you were not there, then all you do is add speculation and not facts.
Just the Facts Maam, just the facts. Sgt. Joe Friday.
Aisling on December 28 at 7:10 a.m.
The shooter contributed to the community and is far from being considered a redneck, but a young professional who volunteered and happened to carry a concealed weapon for self defense. When two punks from out of town, and their friends, jump him and beat his face in, does he not have the right to defend himself? Or should we all expect people to take beatings from others? Put yourself in that position, being attacked and harassed by some intoxicated jerks (their myspace and facebook profiles confirm this theory) looking for a fight, what would you do? Maybe circumstances like this will make people think about potential consequences before running their mouths and pushing people around? The shooter was interested in marksmanship, as you can see in his Facebook photos (mobile uploads) and I am certain if he wanted to kill the men, he could have effectively done so.
I’ve known Adam since elementary school, and I know he is a very patient and kind person. He is usually not bothered by drama with others, and stays uninvolved, therefore I don’t think he had a choice but to defend himself - especially when hearing from several friends who witnessed the behavior of the “victims” they were causing problems all night.
I’m sure when Adam was confronted by a group of intoxicated men looking for a fight late at night, knowing how a pack of drunk men can behave, this was his only means of protecting himself. How will the others be charged? Will they receive assault charges for starting the fight? They were asking for it. If I were approached by a pack of drunks at night looking for a fight, I would wish I had a gun on me as well. The world could use fewer jerks like Burgess and Phillips - and in the future I’d bet that they won’t be so ready to fight.
Aisling on December 28 at 7:18 a.m.
JME,
Maybe next time Burgess won’t attempt to pick fights when he ventures out of town and cruises the bars. American citizens have the right to bear arms in self defense, and if a man is outnumbered and harassed and threatened while alone, and beaten, does he not have the right to said defense? Should he have lain there and accepted his beating as punishment for being at the wrong place at the wrong time? And what would have happened had he not fired his gun? Would Adam instead be fighting for his life in the hospital? It isn’t unheard of. Further, what excuses people from thinking that their socially unacceptable behaviors come without consequences? If we threaten someone, and physically harm them, should we press charges when our nose is broken in return? Can I break into your home and sue when I’m injured as a result of you defending yourself? Young men need to learn, that they cannot assault, rape, burglarize or even challenge and threaten without expecting a fight of defense, one that could potentially result in losing their life. That is the reality.
Adam attempted to act as a peace maker earlier in the evening when this same pack of brutes attempted to pick a fight with his friend over a drink. They attempted to fight others that evening as well. They thought they could beat Adam to a pulp and get away with it. They were wrong. They deserve to face charges as well.
Aisling on December 28 at 7:26 a.m.
spokelooneh,
Not only have I known Adam since grade school, but I’ve seen him on frequent occasions whether at community functions or having cocktails downtown - not only is he ALWAYS a perfect gentleman, to both my female friends and male, but I’ve seen him under the influence of drink and it has made no difference in his behavior. He faces adversity in the same manner— polite and respectful and most importantly, he doesn’t look for fights or behave aggressively.
Iniquity on December 28 at 8:51 a.m.
From my understanding Moses lake is plagued with Gang bangers, and have had a big problem controlling them according to the news.
http://www.examiner.com/x-14615-Spokane-Homicide-Examiner~y2009m11d19-Moses-Lake-WAtwo-officer-to-deal-with-1000-gang-members?cid=channel-rss-News
I have known Adam for 8 years, and have occasionally gone out with him last summer. He has never been one to start trouble with anyone and has never talked about causing anyone harm. He is a very well manor business owner who gives to multiple communities in this surrounding area including Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and Spokane Valley.
He is the type of person who would only defend by means of a weapon in less he is feeling threatened for his life.
If 5 people jumped me and beat my face in as bad as Adam’s I would hope to be able to defend myself properly too. Hopefully this teaches people a serious lesson about trying to cause fights with other people.
Just because you live out of town does not mean you can come to other places to pick fights. At the same time I hope this teaches these kids who consider themselves street thugs a lesson. You never know who could have a gun.
If you want to pick a fight with someone get into UFC fighting and stop picking on each other in bars. The bar this started at is getting notorious for ignorant people to show up at and cause fights.
Moses_Laker on December 28 at 9:18 a.m.
Iniquity, you need to hold off on the stereotyping. Moses Lake has some gang activity, just the same as your city has some White Supremacists. Now, you don’t want me making sweeping generalizations about CDA, so perhaps you shouldn’t make them about Moses Lake. None of these guys were involved with gangs. Brandon’s mother owns a business here in Moses Lake. I’ve known her for years and she’s an honest and law-abiding person.
As to teaching people a lesson, perhaps Adam has learned a lesson as well—don’t take a gun with you when you go out drinking. I’m sure there was bad behavior on both sides, but he would have been no worse off without the gun. Now a guy is in critical condition and Adam’s got a long road ahead of him before this is over. Bad decision on his part.
Iniquity on December 28 at 9:34 a.m.
(moses_laker)
The true lesson is to be peaceful with your surroundings regardless of the environment you are in. Anyone can be a friend when approached in good manor. Its not right to shoot people, and I do not condone bringing guns to bars.
Justice will be served and people will be accountable for their actions.
May those who where injured or effected by this situation be blessed for they will remain in my prayers regardless.
The only reason I brought up gang affiliation is because somewhere someone posted that the gentlemen from Moses Lake where saying Gang slurs and stuff like “Moses Lake Represent” according to other people who encountered them at the bars.
moseslakeresident on December 28 at 10:24 a.m.
While this is a tragedy, I find it appalling that the two men who were shot exhibited such a level of immaturity. It appears that there is another side to this story that shows these two men as the aggressors, and based on my personal experience with these two men, I am not ruling that out. The claim that these two men (along with their friends) actually assaulted the Coeur D’Alene man before he shot at them is congruous with the other claims that the Moses Lake men were acting like bullies to several bar patrons throughout the night. I have seen this gang mentality in Moses Lake before at places like the Sand Dunes, where many young Moses Lake residents would taunt and fight with out of towners. I am surprised, and quite frankly a little disgusted and embarrassed that these Moses Lake men, at the age of 25, have not yet overcome such immaturity and abandoned such a ridiculous high school gang mentality. To anyone who reads this, please realize that these gentlemen do not accurately portray the majority of Moses Lake residents around their age. I believe that this tragedy should be viewed as a study in poor alcohol moderation, poor gun control laws, the effects of gang mentality, and poor reporting on the part of the media.
Moses_Laker on December 28 at 10:39 a.m.
I have serious doubts about the “Moses Lake Represent” story. It seems that the shooter has a lot of friends here on this forum who would be willing to say just about anything to shift the blame away from him.
I wonder about other people’s stories as well. For example, I can’t understand why one would perform CPR on someone with a gunshot to the abdomen.
haveastogie on December 28 at 10:47 a.m.
Moses’ Lake boyz in the HOOD may just get an awakening from this scenario. Beating ADAM with gang enhancement just may get Mr. Burgess ARRESTED once he can “move” again.
Waiting….in Coeur d’ Alene til this happens.
HANG IN THERE, ADAM!!
361degrees on December 28 at 10:49 a.m.
Moses_Laker -
As a result from extreme blood loss you go into cardiac arrest. The reason Mr. Burgess was in such critical condition was because of his heart stopping from loss of blood, this is the reason CPR was given.
BKM on December 28 at 11:35 a.m.
As a Moses Lake resident of 23 years, the people who are saying that Moses Lake is a “gang” town need to get their facts straight. Moses Lake may have gang activity but so does every other town across this country. Regardless, this has nothing to do with what happened. I personally know the Moses Lake men that were involved and not one of them has any gang involvement whatsoever. You talk about adam being businessman well every single one of these Moses Lake men are hardworking, well rounded young men as well. For those of you who are quick to accuse these ML men, I suggest you keep your comments to yourself unless you were there. My heart goes out to Brandon and his family. My prayers are with you!
P.S. Before you post your comments, I ask you consider the families and people that were involved. The last thing they need right now is people bashing their loved ones.
moseslakeresident on December 28 at 12:26 p.m.
BKM, I believe that you aren’t completely understanding what people mean by gang. In this case, it sounds like the group of young men from Moses Lake exhibited very aggressive behavior as a group. This is often referred to as a gang mentality. Furthermore, I don’t think any of the accusers are “quick to accuse” as you suggest. They were either witnesses to the events of that night, or they have heard first-hand accounts, and they are basing their comments on these observations. If you really consider both sides of the story, you will realize that it’s much more probable that the young men from Moses Lake initiated the fight, and the CdA man was outnumbered so he retaliated with a gun. As I stated before, I’ve witnessed the two gun shot recipients exhibiting aggressive and bullying behavior before. Multiple people who have posted about this article have stated that they witnessed the Moses Lake men taunting and harassing other bar patrons throughout the night. Based on the wounds inflicted upon the CdA gentleman, I’d say he was severely beaten by several people. Now, knowing that the CdA gentleman is very civic-minded and even participates in the Big Brother program, is it honestly more probable that someone like that would shoot two people over a mere exchange of words? I believe it’s more probable that the Moses Lake men who were, throughout the evening, taunting people and trying to start fights actually instigated the violence on the CdA man and he fired at them in self defense. Generally, when people act in a group, they are more likely to escalate the amount of violence they will initiate, because they feel that they will be adequately supported in a fight. So, that makes the story of four on one even more probable. While I don’t think that anyone should be allowed to carry guns, it is allowable by law in Idaho, and it sounds like the CdA man had a concealed weapons permit. If he shot the group of men beating him up, this would be considered self-defense, and that will be recognized in court. This whole thing is a tragedy, but people should consider that perhaps there was more than one party at fault for this violence.
DCR on December 28 at 12:29 p.m.
I find the reporting of this story may cause bias among the readers because the men who were shot are labeled as “victims,” when we don’t even know the facts yet. If Adam Johnson was acting in lawful self defense against this group, and based on the disparity in force (their numbers) had a reasonable fear that he was in danger of receiving serious bodily injury or death, then he was the victim, not the men who were hospitalized.
Until we know the facts, please don’t label anyone as “victim” or “aggressor(s).”
matting on December 28 at 12:52 p.m.
The comments made by “moseslakeresident” related to these individuals are COMPLETELY consistent with stories I’ve heard from other young men here in ML. The bullying, intimidating, and physical attacks have taken place on numerous occasions locally and it’s unfortunate that it had to end like it has for all parties involved. True, they may not have been affiliated with any formal ‘gang’ however the behavior pattern suggests that some of them may as well have been ‘gang members’.
LSML on December 28 at 1:05 p.m.
Haveastogie-
you have already stated that you do not know Adam or the Moses Lake boys. So what gives you the right to say disrespectful things about Burgess? These “boys from the hood” that you speak of are not a gang or at all gang related. They certainly don’t talk like thugs either, no offense to your fun hood lingo but it’s not related to these boys. I’ve seen Burgess lying in the hospital bed and it’s very uncalled for and rude to be saying the things you have stated above. Please have some respect for the family of Burgess and keep your mouth shut if you don’t know what the hell your talking about.
layden on December 28 at 1:08 p.m.
i live in moses lake and i am best friends with brandons younger brother jordan who was at the shooting none of them are so called thugs they r working men middle class county boys. brandon is a real good guy thats life was almost taken from him by some tuff guy with a gun . if u pull a gun out on a group of people they r going 2 either get scared or they r they or going 2 make sure that there friend doesnt get shot dont u think ? so with that said 2 good people got shot by some big time ceo. i hope he gets his time for what he did. even the big timers have 2 pay for what they do! GET WELL SOON MY MAN LOVE U BUDDY
vanessamaygren on December 28 at 1:09 p.m.
Regardless of anyone’s actions, this is a tragedy. We can point fingers all we want, but it doesn’t make the parties involved hurt any less. I am from Moses Lake and know the boys involved, but that doesn’t make me think that Adam and his family aren’t hurting from this incident. Regardless, I dont think anyone deserved to be SHOT… and shame on you if you think they did. It’s one thing to be upset with how things escalated throughout the evening but to wish this upon anyone is pretty cruel! I don’t think either side was completely innocent, but it doesn’t mean anyone deserved this. Quit thinking of where your from and who you know and start thinking about the families who are hurting during the holidays. What a wonderful Christmas gift to have your son in jail or in critical condition in the hospital! This isn’t about who is legally at fault! Morally, it was VERY wrong.
letthefactsspeak on December 28 at 1:30 p.m.
I was not there to whitness this tragic situation, however I am aquaintances with friends of both parties. I have been reading all of the blogging tagged to every article relating to this story. I can see how passionate everyone can be regarding situations such as this.
I actually took college courses with officer Woods and I can say that she is a proffessional and compassionate person as well as an officer of the law. Nobody should judge that of a person who is in charge of public relations for such a traumatic event that unfolded so quickly over a holliday weekend. Officer Woods was simply doing her job and was forced to make a statement to local media.
My only comment on this situation is a theory based upon personal experience with the bar scene and physical altercations similar to this. Personally speaking, I would not have the courage to go after a guy holding a gun who just squeezed off 5 rounds. I think I would try to run for cover. That is just me, but I believe most would do the same. Because of my personal feeling on this, I tend to at this point in time lean on the side that Mr. Johnson may indeed have been being beaten by one or more persons before he fired his weapon. I still feel that the shooting wasnt justified as if time would have played out the beating probably would have been stoppedby bystanders if in deed it played out in that mannor.
My opinion is just that. None of us, other than those who were there truly know what happened. We are all entitled to our theorys, however we should keep them as such and not make attacking statements on this blog toward law enforcement or either side of the situation.
embl_facts on December 28 at 1:52 p.m.
There are two sides to every story. Feeling sympothy for both families having to deal with this during the holidays is a must, but accusing both parties of doing wrong when only one had a gun is unfair. People keep saying Adam was on his own, if that is true then why are there so many “witnesses” standing up for him. If he was the only one there by himself then how did all of you see this happen? Brandon and Bradley did not deserve to be shot as would no one else regardless. If you want to defend yourself call for help to all your friends supposedly witnessing this haness crime.
Everyone needs to stop talking about business people or gang mortallity. That all is besides the point. The boys were visiting family in idaho and went out for a good time. You cannot accuse someone for being gang affiliated because they know how to stand up for themselves or they say a mean word or two. On the other hand you cannot state that someone is so proper and upraising that brings a gun to have a drink.
Adam got what he deserved with bruises on his face he is not on his death bed so he is not a victim of this tragedy. I would beat someones face in too if my friend or family member was dieing from their bullet. All of you sayig he has a right to defend himself is very true but not open fire into a street filled with innocent people. Those bullets could have killed a young lady or innocent child in a vehicle.
Brandon and Bradley we hope for the best recovery from both of you and sympothy from everyone goes out to you, your family, and friends as well!!!!! Get better boys we all love you!
Tony42 on December 28 at 2:13 p.m.
Lets be clear on the usage of “gang” in how I said it.. I said “act” like a gang members I realize they are not gang members, but unfortunately the MTV generation tends to use the same terminology they see on TV. I hear these slurs every time I go out from people who are obviously not gang members they are just wanna-bees who think it makes them sounds tough saying things like “(insert home town) represent” etc etc. This is not uncommon to hear. So making the assertion they are certified gang members is incorrect. But using the language associated with gang terminology was and is used VERY commonly by young men trying to portray a stereotype that they believe gives them respect and instills fear in other individuals in conflict situations, I see it EVERY time I go out.
shanusmaximus on December 28 at 2:24 p.m.
Sounds like everyone involved are fine upstanding representatives of their respective communities who seem to share the attributes of being young, dumb and not knowing how to handle their liquor and/or emotions. Let’s review some of the “Finger Pointing Society’s” grievances…..
1. This was a “gang” problem from Moses Lake….based on that supposedly “Moses Lake Represents” was said. Gee, I’m sold! <sarcasm>
2. Being a “businessman” somehow makes you a “great guy”.
3. Idaho gun laws are what is to blame.
4. Alcohol is a vicious demon and if only EVERYONE would smoke pot it would be the salve of the nation.
Basically how it reads to me is everyone is throwing up everything and anything as a reason except PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. As it sits with me….I see a whole gaggle of drunken spoiled brats who don’t have alot of street smarts or experience in the world.
embl_facts on December 28 at 2:46 p.m.
Lets get things straight if you always hear people talking in such slang, how is it that moses lake keeps getting pinpointed to be such a big gang problem? What about every other city in the country why is it finger pointing to just those boys??????
And not everyone that is young is a drunk spoiled brat you do not know to judge who they are or how they act. However you are right about the finger pointing society’s grievances.
Tony42 on December 28 at 3:00 p.m.
I never personally referenced Moses Lake or have any idea of the gang activity in Mose’s Lake. I simply stated if you wanna “act” like a gangster, IE talk, posture, whatever be prepared to be treated as such when you attack someone with 9 of your friends.
This could have happened anywhere in the country.
It hasn’t been proven whether he fired before being attacked or after and that will play a big part in this case. The only fact im sure of in this case is the guys were looking for trouble, were pushing people, etc. And did use lets remove the word gang from this conversation and call it “aggressive” talk.
The time line of the firing seems to be the factor no one agrees on. What needs to be figured out is when the gun was fired after the beating or before…
shanusmaximus on December 28 at 3:01 p.m.
@embl_facts
“Lets get things straight if you always hear people talking in such slang, how is it that moses lake keeps getting pinpointed to be such a big gang problem?”
I wasn’t. I was saying it would be STUPID to think that. As far as ML getting pinpointed with having a big “gang problem”? Well, I suppose that would be the same type of idiotic thinking that leads people to think that C’da has a big “white supremacist problem”.
“And not everyone that is young is a drunk spoiled brat you do not know to judge who they are or how they act.”
I didn’t say that EVERYONE that is young is a drunk spoiled brat. I was saying that the young people involved in this situation seem to be a bunch of young drunk spoiled brats. I mean…..as this situation sits, does it look to you that either side REALLY acted in a sober, rational and experienced manner? My bet is no…….
embl_facts on December 28 at 3:19 p.m.
An eye witness has stated to the police officers that the gun was thrown on the roof top of tony’s restaurant. If he had time to throw the gun it was premeditated not self defense. More facts to look act before WE ALL speak. And no one was sober so you are correct no one was rational but how many people do you know would be out at the bar at one in the morning sober?
Burgess on December 28 at 3:22 p.m.
Those of you that think that you know any of the “Moses Lake Boys” and you DO NOT know them!! Keep your mouth shut!! You make that Adam person sound like he is just an innocent guy walking down the street that just so happened to have a gun!! Ok first of all the boys from moses lake dont ever just beat the crap out of some one for no reason!! The boys had never intended on getting in to a fight with some one when they were over visiting their mom for christ sake!! The Adam guy had started crap with the boys and the bar and they defended them selves like our family was raised to do! They left the bar and ADAM found them and attacked them!! First of all why in the hell would any one in their right mind have been drinking and leave and go get a gun than find the boys on the street and start pushing them around?? The Adam guy deserves every bit of what he got and in my mind he should of got a hell of alot more than what my family and friends did to him!? What does he think is going to happen to him when he pulls a gun on 6 boys?? He should of known right than and there he was not going to win this fight!!
I love you Brandon! We have been praying for you all!! I love you family!!
bobhughes7 on December 28 at 4:16 p.m.
to eyewitnesses, especially “JIT”
it is best to save your comments for official investigators.
Internet blogs are not private.
It can be used as an effective law enforcement tool.
If you were to testify in this case, these blog statements could be used to impeach your testimony.
Someone (attorneys? insurance agents, etc.) could jump in to the blog and “befriend” any potential witness, use deception, set traps, and get information to attack your credibility and your version of the events.
For example, a sharp investigator might have already noted a possible inconsistency in JIT’s version of the story:
how could one hold down one person for 5 minutes and be able to give CPR to another until EMT arrives? (please don’t try to explain this on the Internet.)
A lot may ride on JIT’s version of the events. Finding the truth is best handled by professionals (investigators, counsel, experts, judge and jury)
Sean509 on December 28 at 4:34 p.m.
First off I don’t know any of the parties involved. Nor, do I live in CDA or ML.
While I agree this is a tragedy for both families and both parties involved, I think there is a lot more to this story. The only persons who truly know the details of what happened are the three gentlemen involved.
I also wish to send my condolences for all family members and the three men. It’s true, everyone’s lives have forever been altered because of this tragic event.
I (personally) am going to let god judge these men. I would only like to point out that from what I’ve read above, it sounds as if Adam had retaliated AFTER being beat down, then again got beat down AFTER the shooting.
It mentions “shooting into a “crowd” which says to me, they beat him up, then re-joined their group. If he in fact, shot these two men AFTER they beat him up, that’s RETALIATION, not Self Defense. Had Adam shot them WHILE being accosted, then that is the definition of Defending One’s Self. However, shooting at someone AFTER being assaulted would constitute a premeditated behavior in my opinion.
Owning a gun gives you the right to defend yourself should you feel your life is in IMMINENT danger. It doesn’t give you the right to shoot someone 10 seconds or 10 years after the danger has ended.
And the comment about throwing the gun on a business’ roof raises a lot of other questions for me. That is the behavior of someone that knows they have commited a wrongful act and are trying to hide evidence.
This is going to be an interesting case. I wonder how the jury will decide this one. Obviously from the comments posted, there are biased opinions. And If I was a member of either family, I would use this blog as evidence, that the person(s) who goes to court over this incident, might not receive a fair trial.
As far as the whole “Gang” thing goes, isn’t a group of people exhibiting Gang Mentality considered a Gang by definition? You don’t have to be a Gangster Disciple or Crip to be in a gang. Heck, the Aryan Nations is a Gang by definition but they are never labeled one.
I enjoy fishing in both Medical Lake and CDA and visit both cities regularly. BOTH cities have gang problems. But this is clearly an honest, fun time that turned tragic. I don’t believe the ML boys came to CDA looking to start a turf war or anything.
I think in the end, there will be a lot more details to emerge. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that these men’s lives may forever be ruined. Pending legal and financial troubles aside, let’s all PRAY for these men and their families. Isn’t it GOD who wants us to forgive those who “trespass” against us? I think a little more forgiveness in the world would benefit everyone.
BKM on December 28 at 4:52 p.m.
To all u people who say they know Adam Johnson or I geuss the way u guys build him up he may also be known as the perfect male specimen. Answer me this if Adam is so smart and calm even after he has been drinking then why would he have a loaded 40cal pistol stuffed into his wasteband? I mean anyone with half a brain can tell you that is terrible drunken mistake by itself. Then to confront a group of guys that you had argued with earlier in then night. It sounds to me like Adam knew exactaly what he was going to do. To me it sounds like its a good thing the Moses Lake boys took him down when he pulled a gun on them, because if they had not he could have hurt a lot more people. Personally, I feel like Adam should feel lucky all he got was a few bumps and bruises after what he did.
Tony42 on December 28 at 4:53 p.m.
This crap about the gun on the roof of Tito Macaronis’s is just HORRIBLE reporting and a completely impossible “eye wintness” accounts. This happened in front of the art gallery on 3rd and Sherman on the sidewalk. I stood on the crime scene next to the blood. In order for the gun to get on top of Tito’s across the street and hundreds of feet away would not be possible. Jump on google and see if you think you could get a gun on the roof of Tito macaronis from the crime scene in front of the art gallery… This is some kind of extrapolation of the fact a bullet went through the window of Titos.
FROM THE CDAPRESS.com
“He saw the suspect throw the weapon onto the roof of Tito Macaroni’s, and when he looked out he saw a crowd of 20 to 25 people kicking and punching Johnson, who was also reportedly pushed head-long through a window at the restaurant.”
What the witness says is she shot them at point blank range then was able to get the gun on Tito’s roof hundreds of feet away then got beat up… No sorry. CDA press dropped the ball.
This altercation took place in front of the art gallery an NO one was thrown through any window what joke. Way to check out your sources facts CDAPRESS. Maybe next time check with the restaurant.
shanusmaximus on December 28 at 5:00 p.m.
@embl_facts
“And no one was sober so you are correct no one was rational but how many people do you know would be out at the bar at one in the morning sober?”
Some drunk people are more rational than others. I just smells like bollocks to me when you get both sides saying how super awesome they are. If that were the case…..I don’t think this would have happened. I am sure both sides helped to ramp this situation up to where it is. So I am terribly sorry to the wounded, but all I see is ALOT of drunken macho bravado that I will bet you dollars to donuts is not a foreign subject to either party.
BKM on December 28 at 5:11 p.m.
PS I have heard the story of what happened from the Moses Lake men that were involved, I DO know them personally, very well actually.
MLres on December 28 at 5:24 p.m.
I feel very bad for brandon. i know him and have been around him alot, but i know how he gets when he gets drunk. he dose like to get into fights and he dosnt seem to care who its with and i wish he would have grown out of it because i was just talking with one of my friends who is very good friends with him and said that someday he will pick a fight with the wrong guy and it looks like he finally did. i hope brandon recovers and is able to come back home and have a full recovery.
embl_facts on December 28 at 6:46 p.m.
I also personlly know these boys and how they act when they are drunk. They are a very friendly croud unless someone has not been friendly with them. Yes these boys do act macho when they need to warn people off but anyone would do the same… I am very happy to hear that man is in jail!!! Hopefully he does get the full 30 years or more! I love you boys and glad to hear your doing much better Brandon!!!
matting on December 28 at 10:18 p.m.
This could almost get confusing to read in that, these guys continuously are referred to as “BOYS”. When I think of ‘boys’, I’m thinking of someone in the 12-15yo bracket (or there abouts), these guys were all in their mid twenties and by most accepted definitions, are indeed grown men versus ‘juveniles’. Not trying to be overly critical or split hairs but everyone involved in this incident as we know it, was not in their teen years and had left their ‘boyhood’ years long ago.
JIMMYMAC on December 28 at 10:59 p.m.
new info available on SR site.
MLres on December 29 at 7:40 a.m.
the alledged victims record is proof in the pudding that he is a repeat trouble maker with several run ins with the law and has no disregard for anyones health and saftey
Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct C00046515 09-04-2007
13 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Othello District CR0007688 11-03-2008
14 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct G070587CC 12-18-2007
15 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Lincoln Cnty Dist Ct I00025821 06-05-2007
16 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct I00041268 05-31-2007
17 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct I5580TU 08-30-2007
18 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct Y00070970 06-01-2007
19 Burgess, Brandon R
Judgment Debtor Grant Superior Court 09-9-01585-8 10-14-2009
20 Burgess, Brandon R
Defendant Grant Superior Court 09-2-01392-2 10-07-2009
21 Burgess, Brandon R.
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct SC0008296 11-12-2008
22 Burgess, Brandon R.
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct Y00080276 02-12-2008
23 Burgess, Brandon R.
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct Y00080901 04-29-2008
24 Burgess, Brandon R.
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct Y00092293 11-10-2009
25 Burgess, Brandon Ray
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct C00026960 12-14-2009
26 Burgess, Brandon Ray
Defendant Grant County Dist Ct I00073111 03-18-2008
27 Burgess, Brandon Ray
Defendant Franklin District IN0063267 03-09-2009 “ ”
moses172 on December 29 at 10:08 a.m.
Enough is Enough! I sit here and read all these comments and all I can see is my nephew laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life! Do any of you have any regard for anyone elses lives or does all this gossip just give you a thrill? Just stop all this nonsense and move on to something else. All 3 of these young men and their families have to live with what has happened for the rest of their lives.
Coeurlover25 on December 29 at 4:54 p.m.
“He did not get jumped,” Burgess said of Johnson. “If anybody was acting in self defense it was the eight guys we had with us.”
Johnson was walking east on Sherman, police said.
Not acting in Self Defense? Didn’t get jumped? Have you seen his face? One guy alone by himself against eight? Hmm, I find that hard to believe. Not that I condone someone firing a gun but one lone single guy who is approached by eight guys….I think I would feel a little threatened too…The statements dont seem to back up the alleged story.
Brenden on December 30 at 3:10 a.m.
PLEASE, PLEASE, Refer to Bob Hughes comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
btp3 on December 31 at 5:14 a.m.
This is all ridiculous. Adam was acting in Self Defense… I really do feel bad for the families of the two that where shot but they were not the victims here. On the Coeurdalene Press website there is an article about the shooting posted on Dec 28th. In the comment field at the bottom of the page, there is a comment by an individual that claims to be the person who held Adam down following the incident.
He states, “Adam was clearly acting in Self Defense, it was not the innocent witnesses that attacked him and beat him to a bloody pulp, it was the group from Mosses Lake. Adam fired the Shots from the ground in an act of desperation, with the amount of blood covering his face it was obvious to see why only two of the shots hit their target. There was no crowd that came and subdued Adam, When I approached he was on the ground covered in Blood. It was to the point where he barely looked human. I sat by him until the cops came” The sad part about this story is that most of the so called crowd that the cops interviewed was part of the group with the victims so of course they are going to stick together to stay out of trouble.
I personally know Brandon and I can say that I can see him doing this anyway. He is notorious for getting into fights, especially when there is alcohol involved. I hope that he recovers, but I also hope he learned a valuable lesson from this tragic incident.
Adam should be set free.
Covered_In_Bees on January 01 at 6:44 p.m.
I’m a Federal Agent and this is why you NEVER carry a loaded firearm into a bar, especially if you intend to consuming alcohol.
Whether or not the shooting was self-defense or the beating happened after Mr. Johnson fired his pistol, this event is a stark reminder what happens when you mix weapons and alcohol.
I wasn’t there and I don’t know exactly how it went down, but my years in law enforcement tell me that words and threats were exchanged by both parties long in advance. It is incumbent upon the person with the concealed weapon (who has been drinking) to remove himself from the situation and go home. You can disagree with me, but when you’re armed you’ve changed the rules. I can’t tell you how many people- not realizing I’m carrying a semi-automatic- have cut me off in traffic, flipped me off, or cussed me out in a parking lot. I just turn the other way and swallow it. You have to remove yourself from any potential altercation. Unfortunately, alcohol in your system doesn’t always let you ignore a jerk.
The second Mr. Johnson put a loaded pistol in his pocket and headed to a bar to drink was the moment this night went wrong.
orchex19 on January 02 at 4:58 p.m.
Unfortunetly for those that all love and care for Adam, we all know that he has had a serious addiction to pain medication for years now from a so called “minor knee injury” that he had from several years ago.
It’s unfornutate, but if you compound years of substance abuse, poor life-style choices, and vodka red-bull over a long period of time, you are going to hurt other people other then yourself. In which this matter, it did.
Some people think that having a long term addiction to pain medication is only hurting yourself, but it hurts EVERYONE.
Adams single mother is hurting, the community is hurting, and honestly, the victims may have defintly aggravated Adam and need to take some responsibility themselves, but any and all pain medication addiction compounded by alcohol will result in a Johnny Cash ending!
Sally on January 04 at 10:48 a.m.
i think everyone has great points. All the friends and families that know each one of these guys, think they know their personalities and mannerisms………..but people can act in a completely different way when threatened. What would you do in a situation like this? No one can honestly say they would do this or that. It’s something that is decided at that exact moment in that exact situation. There is no way to tell what would happen to our mind sets if puched into a corner. the most laid back shy person can become the most aggressive. The hot headed raging person can become the rational passive person. We don’t know what went through these guys minds at that time. if we ourselves can’t predict our actions, how can we say we know what these guys would do.
Add drinking and male egos to the mix and you’ve got chaos. Anyone who has been to any bar or party knows at any moment the atmosphere can change.
the simple fact is no matter what position in the community you hold, what age you are, where your from, or if your gang affliated or not, when put into a position of flight or fight no one can say how they would react or how someone else would react. people can surprise you. So don’t be so quick to judge. The sad thing is that the entire story will never be known by anyone or the parties involved. In the heat of the moment our minds tend to forget things, the series of events, things said, done. One persons perception of things are completely different then anothers.
I just hope all the friends and families members effected by this can get past the blame game, and see that each of the parties involved are to blame. Fighting is not the answer to any problems. these boys should have acted responsibly and walked away. Violence is not a solution to any problem, it only creates more problems and hurts the ones we love. I hope the guys all recover and go on to live a happy life and in that process revisit their own attitudes on life.
And for all those comments (which are irrelvent to this situation, but needs to be addressed) about ML gang problem….I live in the surrounding area……and ML has a SERIOUS gang problem! Grant County has a serious problem. Murders are happening across the county at extreme high rates. MURDERS!! all have been proven to be gang related. If you live in ML and honestly believe their isn’t a gang problem, you are living in a fantasy world. The definition of gang doesn’t even matter. Call them a group of kids who made up the Care Bear club….whatever you want to call them…they have came into this community with hate and no sense of morals. What will it take for you people to realize we have a problem…..your house robbed? Mom shot leaving a BBQ at an old highschool friends house? Your Child killed at the bus stop mistaken for a rivial gang member because she’s wearing red on valentines day? I hope you don’t become the next victim