Mother Vows to Fight On After GRPD Shooting Ruled Justified

Angelica Johnson says she may seek state review of case despite prosecutor's decision not to charge officers

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuff against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the stark, gritty investigation into the police shooting of Da'Quain Johnson.The shooting of Da'Quain Johnson has sparked outrage and renewed calls for police accountability in Grand Rapids.Grand Rapids Today

The family of Da'Quain Johnson gathered at the Michigan State Police headquarters as Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced he would not be charging the officers who shot and killed Johnson in February. Angelica Johnson, Da'Quain's mother, expressed disappointment but said she may try to get the state attorney general to review the case, arguing the shooting was not justified. She vowed to continue fighting for justice for her son.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as the challenges families face in seeking accountability for police shootings that are deemed justified by prosecutors. Angelica Johnson's determination to pursue further review underscores the deep divisions and mistrust that persist even after such decisions are made.

The details

Police video shows Da'Quain Johnson took off from officers who tried to stop him on a bike, leading them on a chase that ended in an apartment parking lot. Johnson got off the bike, fell over and was then bitten by a police dog. Officers said he had a gun, and one officer shot him three times, killing him. Prosecutor Becker ruled the officer's use of deadly force was justified, saying he had honest reason to believe Johnson posed a threat.

  • On February 18, Da'Quain Johnson was shot and killed by police.
  • On April 2, 2026, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced he would not be charging the officers involved.

The players

Da'Quain Johnson

A 23-year-old man who was shot and killed by Grand Rapids police in February.

Angelica Johnson

The mother of Da'Quain Johnson, who is vowing to continue fighting for justice in her son's death.

Chris Becker

The Kent County Prosecutor who ruled the officers' use of force was justified and declined to file charges.

Ven John and Ben Crump

Attorneys representing the Johnson family, who are conducting an independent investigation and may file a civil lawsuit.

Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD)

The police department involved in the shooting of Da'Quain Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“I think Chris Becker is a joke as a prosecutor. I didn't expect him to prosecute. … Nobody's gotten justice in this city in how many years?”

— Angelica Johnson, Mother of Da'Quain Johnson

“When a life is taken, there must be a thorough and transparent public process to determine what happened and why. We are continuing our own independent investigation into this shooting and will work to ensure the full truth comes to light. The Johnson family deserves answers – and we intend to help them get those answers.”

— Ven John and Ben Crump, Attorneys for the Johnson family

What’s next

Angelica Johnson said she may try to get the state attorney general to review the case, and the Johnson family's attorneys have signaled a civil lawsuit is likely as they continue their own independent investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges families face in seeking accountability for police shootings that are deemed justified by prosecutors, underscoring the deep divisions and mistrust that persist between law enforcement and communities of color even after such decisions are made.