Utica Police seek "person of interest" in Monday shooting; those close to victim mourn

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Utica Police seek "person of interest" in Monday shooting; those close to victim mourn

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Sep 2, 2008 at 4:08 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 2, 2008 at 4:20 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Two shootings in two days have left two men dead in the City of Utica. One suspect is in custody; the other, still on the loose.

It happened around 11 p.m. Monday night right near the intersection of Rutger Street and George Place, just east of Mohawk Street in Utica.

Police say they are looking for a person of interest in this case, but stop short of calling that person a suspect.

Many times witnesses are uncooperative with police during investigations like this one, but Utica's Public Safety Commissioner says people in this case are, in fact, cooperating with authorities.

The loss of 38 year-old James Johnson, the victim of Monday night's shooting, meant lots of tears Tuesday at George Place and Rutger Street.

"He was a good man," said Erica Pratt, the victim's stepdaughter. "He worked at Loretto's for 11 years. He had no kids. Him and my mom was about to get married. He had four step kids...Never was in any trouble. Always worked faithfully every day, you know, good guy."

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