Irah Sok was sleeping next to her husband and young son when a 24-year-old man allegedly entered their home before dawn, walked into the bedroom, and shot her in the head. The 7-year-old boy lay just feet away, unharmed.
Background
Sok, 36, was a well-known photographer in Everett, Washington who specialized in maternity and newborn photography. She had opened her own studio just months before her death. On Aug. 19, 2022, the family was asleep in their home when Christopher Johnson and two alleged cohorts entered before 3 a.m.
Johnson allegedly shot Sok in the head while she slept beside her husband. He then forced Sok's husband to the ground and restrained him with zip ties. The intruders ransacked the victims' belongings and stole thousands of dollars worth of luxury possessions before fleeing, according to prosecutors.
After they left, Sok's husband was able to escape his restraints and run for help. Their young son was uninjured during the home invasion that claimed his mother's life.
Federal prosecutors said Johnson and his co-defendants researched targets on social media and cased homes before striking. A typical operation, per the indictment, took place between 2 and 5 a.m., with participants falsely announcing themselves as law enforcement upon entry. They wore masks and used zip ties to restrain victims, including children as young as 9 years old.
The Charges
Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with Sok's death. On Tuesday, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for that conviction. His sentence will run concurrently with a separate federal sentence stemming from RICO charges related to a string of armed robberies and other violent crimes across Washington state.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington said the judge recommended Johnson serve his sentence in the Washington state prison system. Johnson's federal sentence for the RICO convictions, to which he pleaded guilty in February, also includes five years of supervised release.
Key Takeaways
- Irah Sok was a 36-year-old maternity and newborn photographer who had opened her own studio months before her death
- The home invasion occurred before 3 a.m. on Aug. 19, 2022, while Sok slept beside her husband and 7-year-old son
- Christopher Johnson allegedly shot Sok in the head as she lay sleeping with her family inches away
- Johnson received 25 years for second-degree murder, running concurrently with his federal RICO sentence
What's Next
Johnson will serve his sentence in the Washington state prison system following the conclusion of all proceedings. His co-defendants' cases remain ongoing.