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Robbery Is Seen As Motive In Killing

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By GEOFF FOX, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Pasco County Sheriff's Office detectives are still working leads in the September shooting death of auto salvage yard owner Lee Johns.

Known as a quiet man who enjoyed old cars, shooting pool and throwing darts, Johns died of a gunshot wound on Sept. 14 at his business, Park Auto Salvage. The business is on State Road 52, just west of U.S. 41; Johns also lived on the property.

A Pasco detention deputy, whose name wasn't released, found Johns, 69, lying on the ground just inside the main gate. Near the gate hung a sign that read: "Cash only. No check, credit cards or I.O.U.'s."

Sheriff's Detective Jason Hatcher said last week that robbery was the likely motive, because Johns was known for carrying cash.

"We've been getting a few more leads in," Hatcher said. "I can't release what it is, but we're working some stuff out now. The main thing we're looking for is if anyone passing by that day between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. saw any activity or anyone out front, or any vehicles.

"We're just looking for anything. It's a busy road there."

Johns was seen about 1:20 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Land O' Lakes Post Office on U.S. 41 - about a 10-minute drive from the salvage yard, the sheriff's office said.

"He was just a guy who worked by himself there and never had any problems that we found with anyone," Hatcher said. "He stayed to himself. We know he carried money in his pocket, but we don't know how much was missing."

Anyone with information can call Hatcher at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7481.

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