Incident
Marshal Christian Johnson was shot and killed by a drunk man that he had escorted home earlier in the evening. After leaving on friendly terms, the drunk man became upset and told his wife he was going to kill the marshal. He grabbed his .45 caliber pistol, located Marshal Johnson, and shot him. The suspect then fled to his sister's home, where he shot and killed himself. The suspect had lost the election to be Town Marshal to Marshal Johnson and held a grudge even though he served as Assistant Marshal. Marshal Johnson had served with the Lyle Police Department for only two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MN-EBC23917- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Christian. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Marshal Johnson gave the Lyle Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lyle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal Christian Johnson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In MN, 173 of 293 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59% of this state's fallen. That is 59 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Christian Johnson's cause is highlighted.
How Christian Johnson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Christian Johnson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Christian Johnson was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Lyle Police Department are honored on badge.nw.