Authorities are offering a substantial reward for information that would help capture a Turlock teenager’s killer.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction for whomever is responsible for the fatal shooting of Johnny Wilson.
Wilson, an 18-year-old Turlock resident, was killed in an apparent drive-by shooting on Oct. 11, 2018 in the 300 block of W. Linwood Avenue. It’s believed the shooting was gang-related and that Wilson, who was not in a gang, was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. His murder remains an active investigation at the Turlock Police Department, but detectives have had very little information to go on.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Oct. 11, the police department received a report of a shooting with two possible victims. Officers and paramedics arrived within minutes of the call and found Wilson, who had received a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other gunshot victim was ever located.
Witnesses said an unknown number of people drove by in a vehicle they couldn’t describe and began shooting at the three to four people that were in the front yard of the home, including Wilson and a couple of young children.
Wilson grew up in Oakdale before moving to Turlock for his final year of high school. He was a graduate of Fusion Charter. He enjoyed music, basketball and being around his friends and family, said his girlfriend, Madison Allen.
“Johnny was funny, and smart and he had a unique way with words that just made you want to be his friend,” Allen said. “He was sweet and caring about everyone. He never liked seeing any of those he cared about upset or sad. I think what drew me to him the most was that he was different and he was my best friend before we even started dating. He was there for me through a hard breakup and we became really close and eventually when it was the right time for us, we started to slowly fall in love. He was so sweet and respectful. I think the respect he had for me was what drew me to him the most.
“I hope Johnny is remembered as a sweet, loving and caring young man, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Allen said. “He was a ray of sunshine. His smile lit up a room the second he walked in and he was this incredible person and anyone who knew him knew that. I want him to be remembered like that.”
The police ask anyone with information regarding Wilson’s death to call Detective Frank Navarro at (209) 664-7319. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
