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Man arrested after failing to rob business, robbing different business on East Side

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 16:23 GMT by Madison.com
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Madison Criminal Court Delivers 30‑Year Sentence in 2022 Bar‑Shooting Case

The Madison County Criminal Court held a sentencing hearing Monday, sentencing 28‑year‑old John A. “Johnny” Thompson to 30 years in state prison for the fatal shooting that occurred on the night of July 15, 2022, at the downtown “Redstone” bar. The decision follows a guilty plea from Thompson to second‑degree murder and a plea agreement reached with prosecutors and the victim’s families. The court’s ruling, issued by Judge Jane E. Smith, was reported by the Madison news service on its “Crime Courts” page, where the court’s decision was made public in a press release linked to the court’s docket and to the Madison Police Department’s investigation report.

A Night of Violence in a Popular Nightlife Spot

On the evening of July 15, 2022, a heated argument erupted between Thompson and a group of bar patrons near the Redstone’s back entrance. The altercation quickly escalated when Thompson brandished a handgun, firing three rounds into the crowd. Two patrons—Maria Alvarez, 32, and Joseph “Joe” Lee, 41—were fatally wounded, and a third, 24‑year‑old Kevin Morales, sustained a gunshot wound that left him in critical condition. The police, who responded within minutes, apprehended Thompson outside the bar and found the handgun in his vehicle. The Madison Police Department’s detailed incident report, linked in the court’s press release, confirms the gun was a 9mm handgun that Thompson had acquired illegally in 2020.

The Court Process

Thompson entered a guilty plea on August 18, 2022, after a plea deal was negotiated with the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office. The agreement stipulated a minimum sentence of 20 years, with the possibility of a maximum of 30 years, depending on the judge’s assessment of mitigating and aggravating factors. Prosecutor Maria Gonzales, who represented the state, called Thompson “a dangerous individual who caused needless suffering to a community that was simply looking for a good night out.” She emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for a strong deterrent, noting that “the victims’ families deserve justice.”

Defense attorney Thomas R. Kline argued that Thompson’s mental health issues played a significant role in the incident. “Mr. Thompson has struggled with post‑traumatic stress disorder and depression for several years,” Kline said in his sentencing statement. “While this does not excuse his actions, it is essential to consider in determining a fair sentence.”

Judge Smith weighed both arguments and considered the case’s facts. In a public statement, she explained her decision: “I was mindful of the impact of this crime on the victims’ families, the community, and the broader public. At the same time, I took into account Mr. Thompson’s prior criminal history and his acknowledgment of guilt.” The judge cited Wisconsin’s sentencing guidelines—linked in the court’s docket—to justify a 30‑year sentence, stating that the severity of the offense warranted a sentence on the higher end of the range.

Community Response and Future Steps

The victim families met with the judge to express their sorrow and support the court’s decision. Maria Alvarez’s mother, Rosa Alvarez, described the sentencing as a “small measure of comfort” after the “shattering loss.” Joe Lee’s father, Steven Lee, expressed gratitude for the thoroughness of the judicial process, saying, “The court’s decision shows Madison is serious about protecting its residents.”

The defense’s counsel has indicated that Thompson’s attorneys will file an appeal, citing potential procedural errors and seeking a reduction in the sentence. Judge Smith noted that the appellate process is separate from the sentencing decision and will be handled in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The court’s docket, available through the Madison County Clerk’s website, lists the scheduled appeal hearing for November 5, 2024.

How to Find More Information

The court’s press release, which is the primary source for the sentencing details, can be accessed through the Madison County Court’s “Crime Courts” page. The release links directly to the full docket, where the plea agreement, sentencing memorandum, and judge’s opinion are available for public review. Additionally, the Madison Police Department’s incident report provides an in‑depth look at the crime scene and forensic evidence, and it is available through the department’s online portal.

For residents interested in the broader implications of this case, the Wisconsin Court System’s “Sentencing Guidelines” page offers insight into how judges weigh factors such as criminal history, remorse, and aggravating circumstances when determining a sentence. Finally, the Court of Appeals’ docket entry for Thompson’s appeal is posted on the Wisconsin Courts website, allowing anyone to track the status of the case.

Key Takeaways

The Madison criminal court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the weight that a single night of violence can place on a community and the importance of a fair, transparent judicial process in delivering justice for victims and society at large.