Rancho Bernardo Man Sentenced for Stepfather's Murder

Pablo Johnson, 27, received 26 years to life in prison for stabbing his 61-year-old stepfather over 100 times.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Rancho Bernardo man was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for the 2024 murder of his 61-year-old stepfather, Michael Johnson. Pablo Johnson, 27, was found guilty by a San Diego jury of first-degree murder and using a knife in the killing, which involved over 100 stab wounds to the victim's head, face, and neck.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for better resources and intervention to address escalating conflicts within families. It also raises questions about the role of self-defense claims in cases of extreme violence.

The details

According to trial testimony, Pablo Johnson and his stepfather, Michael Johnson, had a contentious relationship over the younger Johnson's unwillingness to work or do chores around their Rancho Bernardo condo. On the evening of January 28, 2024, the two men got into a physical altercation, during which Pablo Johnson grabbed a knife and stabbed Michael Johnson over 100 times, killing him. A woman walking her dog discovered the victim's body on the patio and called 911.

  • On January 28, 2024, Pablo Johnson fatally stabbed his stepfather Michael Johnson.
  • On February 26, 2026, Pablo Johnson was sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison.

The players

Pablo Johnson

A 27-year-old Rancho Bernardo resident who was convicted of first-degree murder for killing his 61-year-old stepfather.

Michael Johnson

The 61-year-old victim who was stabbed over 100 times by his stepson Pablo Johnson in their Rancho Bernardo home.

Cassidy McWilliams

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case against Pablo Johnson.

Leanne Skirzynski

The deputy public defender who represented Pablo Johnson and argued the killing was more akin to a mutual fight sparked by the victim.

Judge David Berry

The Superior Court judge who sentenced Pablo Johnson to 26 years to life in prison and stated that evidence suggested Johnson planted a knife near the victim's body to support a self-defense claim.

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What they’re saying

“Evidence suggested Johnson planted the knife found near the victim in order to support his claim of self-defense.”

— Judge David Berry, Superior Court Judge (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“What occurred on the evening of Jan. 28 was more akin to a mutual fight, which was sparked by the victim.”

— Leanne Skirzynski, Deputy Public Defender (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“The defendant attacked his stepfather on Jan. 28, chased him throughout the condo, and stabbed him with enough force to break the knife into multiple pieces.”

— Cassidy McWilliams, Deputy District Attorney (sandiegouniontribune.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Pablo Johnson to 26 years to life in prison concludes the legal proceedings in this case.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for better resources and intervention to address escalating domestic conflicts before they turn deadly. It also highlights the complexities around self-defense claims in cases of extreme violence within families.