HELENA, MT – A Montana man convicted of murdering his former partner was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Wednesday.
Judge Mike McMahon handed down the sentence to Kenneth Greene, calling the crime “heinous” and “egregious.” Greene was found guilty in January for the June 2024 shooting death of Bernadette Johnson, whom he had previously been in a relationship with.
Deadly Confrontation
The tragic incident occurred on June 21, 2024, when Johnson was dropping off her boyfriend at La Quinta Inn and Suites, where he worked. Greene confronted her in the parking lot and shot her in the chest with a .40 caliber pistol, killing her on the spot.
Family Seeks Justice
Johnson’s loved ones filled the courtroom, sharing emotional memories and condemning the senseless act of violence.
“She was a hard worker, always joyful, and got along with almost everybody,” said Linda Armiko Gardipee, a friend of the victim. “For her not to be able to share that on God’s green earth is a shame.”
In addition to his life sentence, Greene has been ordered to pay restitution to Johnson’s family.
