The murder happened Easter Sunday at 6th Street and Holmes Avenue in Ontario. The victim's abandoned vehicle was found a few miles away at D Street and Begonia Avenue. His wife made an emotional plea Friday to help bring the killer to justice.
It's been five days since the murder of Gregory Johnson. The former Marine and decorated Vietnam veteran was shot and killed in the driveway of his apartment complex Easter Sunday.
"He did not deserve to die like this. No one deserves to die like this," said Belinda Johnson, the victim's wife.
During a news conference Friday, Ontario Police and members of Johnson's family gathered to make a public plea for information in the case.
"I ask if anyone saw anything, any little detail, please come forward because it might help to solve this crime," said Belinda.
Ontario Police believe Johnson was the victim of a carjacking and may have tried to fight off his attackers.
"I'm pretty sure he tried to talk his way out of it -- he wasn't someone who looked for trouble," said Chris Johnson, Gregory's son.
Johnson's 2006 Ford Explorer was found abandoned in an alley near Mountain Avenue and D Street. Witnesses told police they saw two men running from the SUV.
"We believe there is more people, since it was still daylight on Easter, that may have seen the vehicle being dropped off," said Ontario Police Detective Jeff Crittenden.
The 59-year-old father of four worked two jobs to support his family. He fought and survived one war, only to die at the hands of common thieves.
Police say they are not ruling out the possibility that the attackers may be gang members.
"The Ontario Police Department has dedicated substantial resources to this investigation and we are committed to identifying the suspects in this case and bring them to justice," said Ontario Police Chief Eric Hopley.
Anyone with information related to the incident was urged to call the /*Ontario Police Department*/ at (909) 986-6711.
