‘Get out while you can’: Mother who lost daughter to domestic violence speaks at killer’s sentencing
SPOKANE, Wash. — It was an emotional day in court Wednesday as friends and family of 24-year-old Alianna Johnson came face to face with her killer- a man who’s also the father of her child.
It was supposed to be one of the happiest times of year. Instead, the day after Christmas, Joshua Forrester stood over his sleeping girlfriend and shot her.
Covered in her blood, he walked out into the street where he told one person he had done something bad.
For that killing, Forrester faced a maximum sentence of 23 years in prison. He’ll serve 19.
“Losing a daughter has destroyed me in so many ways,” said Virginia Kelly, Johnson’s mother.
In the seven weeks since her murder, Johnson’s family is still just beginning to grieve.
Police found Forrester walking the streets of Hillyard, covered in blood. Johnson’s body was found in the apartment, along with their 1-year-old son who was unharmed.
Forrester entered a plea deal in January. Following the prosecution’s advice, Judge John Cooney gave him 19 years.
“He took a life, he should have got life,” said Kelly. “If you’re in a domestic violence relationship, get out while you can.”
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