The wife of slain correctional officer Ron "RJ" Johnson has won a major victory in court.
Lynette Johnson will not have to pay the court costs of the state.
Wednesday night, KELOLAND News reported the state was going after Johnson to make her pay over $6,000 for the state's costs in defending Johnson's wrongful death lawsuit two years ago.
But after our story aired Wednesday night, there was a public outcry over social media and phone calls to the governor's office;,bashing the state for trying to make Johnson pay up, who many have felt 'has already paid a horrible price.'
Johnson was overcome with emotions after she learned Thursday that the state withdrew its motion and will not be seeking any money from her to pay $6,000 in court costs.
"It is not about the money," Johnson said.
Johnson says it's about fighting for her husband, Ron, and all that he stood for as a longtime correctional officer. Her house has turned into a bit of a shrine for Ron and his service.
After he was murdered in the botched escape attempt in April of 2011, Johnson says the state tried to bargain with her not to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
"Keep quiet, go away for $6,000, after what you did to Ron and our family, no," Johnson said.
Johnson didn't back down.
She sued the state in Federal Court, but lost. Now she's appealing that decision to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
But in the meantime, she's just grateful that the state withdrew its motion not to make her pay the state's court costs, but added she does owe something; a big thank you to everyone who called the governor's office and posted messages on Facebook.
"The outcry, I just have to thank you and truly thank the public for the support," Johnson said.
KELOLAND News reached out to the Department of Corrections for comment and a spokesperson issued us this statement.
"The motion is a routine or standard motion filed by a prevailing party after a court decision to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs. After the matter was brought to the attention of the Governor he directed that the motion be withdrawn."