Correctional Administrator Debra Kay Porter-Johnson, Tennessee Department of Correction, Tennessee

Correctional Administrator Debra Kay Porter-Johnson

Tennessee Department of Correction, Tennessee

End of Watch Wednesday, August 7, 2019

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Debra Kay Porter-Johnson

Correctional Administrator Debra Johnson was found murdered in her residence on the grounds of the West Tennessee State Penitentiary on August 7, 2019.

She was attacked by an inmate who then escaped from the facility using a tractor. The escapee, who was serving a sentence for aggravated kidnapping and rape, remained at large for five days before being taken into custody.

The suspect pled guilty to first-degree murder, burglary, aggravated sexual assault, and escape. He was sentenced to life without parole.

Administrator Johnson had served with the Tennessee Department of Correction for 38 years and started her career as a correctional officer. She was survived by three children, her mother, two sisters, one brother, and seven grandchildren.

In June 2020, the Tennessee Women for Prison was renamed the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center.

Bio

Age 64
Tour 38 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Person
Offender Apprehended

at home, escape attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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I often think about CA Debra Johnson and that fatal day. I’ll never forget the blue alert that came across my screen when I looked at my phone and when I called and heard what happened before news broke of it I was speechless. CA Johnson was a amazing lady and a amazing supervisor and no one would have ever thought she was in danger because even the majority of all inmates respected Mrs Johnson because she was always fair and stood by her word and respected anyone inmate or staff. Her name lives on thru ppl that knew her and worked with her and thru the renaming of tn prison for women in honor of Mrs Johnson. 38 years of dedicated service she gave her life for the department and deserves everyone’s respect for the dedication and impact she had on everyone with tdoc.

Lt. Shane W
State of Arkansas(former tdoc employee)

September 11, 2025