Debra P. Johnson

How they died

Vehic/Purs

Driver Garrett Williams and passenger Debra P. Johnson were killed when their car went off the road while being chased by officer Jim Backfisch. Backfisch had begun pursuing Williams' 1995 Oldsmobile after he'd reportedly run a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 77 and Yoakum Street. The chase continued on gravel roads and rural highways for about 28 miles, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph before the Oldsmobile overturned on Route U. Both Johnson and Williams died at the scene of the 11:40 p.m. crash. Two other passengers sustained serious injuries. Backfisch was cleared of wrongdoing in the crash. He resigned in February 2007.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Debra P. Johnson, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources