By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

COLUMBIANA – Retired Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Al Crowson sentenced convicted police murderer Bart Johnson to death by lethal injection during a June 16 hearing at the Shelby County Courthouse.

Johnson was found guilty of two counts of capital murder last month for shooting and killing Pelham police officer Philip Davis during a December 2009 traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Pelham.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t know how else to say it,” Johnson said shortly before his sentence was announced.

When Crowson announced the death penalty, Johnson, wearing an orange Shelby County Jail jumpsuit and handcuffs, stood motionless next to the defendant’s table and closed his eyes.

The hearing lasted about an hour-and-a-half, and included testimony from Johnson’s brother, father, wife and high school teacher.

“Your actions represent a callous disregard of human life, and a total disrespect for authority,” Crowson said. “From the moments that elapsed from the time he first pulled you over, you had time to contemplate your actions. And your solution was the taking of a human life.

“Mr. Johnson, all I can say is that I am doing my job. I hope you are sincere about your remorse,” Crowson added. “Whatever your religious affiliations, I hope you ask God to forgive you for this tragedy.”

Prior to the sentencing, Johnson’s family members said he was a caring person who was heavily involved in charity projects such as Habitat for Humanity when he was younger.

“I’m very proud of him. He’s a better father than I am. Even from jail, he’s continued to care for his kids,” said Willard Johnson, Bart Johnson’s father. “If he continues to live, he will continue to have a positive impact on anyone else he comes in contact with.

“I am so sure that God has explained to officer Davis and his father exactly what happened,” Willard Johnson said. “I hope they have forgiven (Bart).”

Bart Johnson’s brother, Bill Johnson, who is a Trussville Police Officer, said he became a police officer because of his brother’s influence.

Dana Johnson, Bart Johnson’s wife, said her husband would be an “asset” to the Alabama Department of Corrections if he was allowed to live.

“I think he will be an asset in there and out here,” Dana Johnson said. “He is a good man and a good father. He is loved more than you will ever know.”

Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens said the state put much thought into recommending the death penalty, but asked Crowson to “take a stand” for Davis.

“(Davis’) life was taken from him when he was doing nothing more than his job,” Owens said. “Society needs people who are willing to rush into situations when others are rushing away.

“They deserve for us to stand for them when they are not able to stand for themselves,” Owens added.