He wrote that the FBI reviewed footage from 62 cameras on campus, and Johnson never crossed paths with the brothers. That material included grand jury testimony, results from an autopsy conducted by federal authorities and additional digital evidence. You didnt find nothing in 17 boxes? NY Daily News/Valdosta/Lowndes Regional Crime Labratory via CNNKendrick Johnsons body rolled up inside the gym mat with his shoes behind his knees. The Johnsons did try to sue the funeral home for mishandling their sons body, and perhaps having done so in order to cover up his true cause of death, but this case was dropped. Did you encounter any technical issues? The Lowndes County Sheriff's. The Johnsons also accused the brothers father, an FBI agent at the time, of covering up the murder by manipulating the school and authorities involved in investigating Johnsons death. CNN gained access to the schools security footage on the day that Kendrick Johnson was killed, but upon viewing it, realized that it offered little insight into what happened that day. The late teen's parents, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson, filed the lawsuit in January, claiming their son was the victim of foul play. Kendrick Johnsons parents released a photo to the media of their sons face as he lay in the funeral home. KENDRICK JOHNSON: SHERIFF SAYS INVESTIGATION INTO GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE'S DEATH A 'WITCH HUNT' The investigative synopsis states classmates found Johnson. (@tomjones161 via twitter) The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office is insisting. On January 11, 2013, the body of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson was found in the most unusual of circumstances: upside-down and rolled up in a school gym mat. On January 11, 2013, the body of Kendrick Johnson (October 10, 1995 January 10, 2013) was discovered inside a vertical rolled-up mat in the gymnasium of Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, United States, where he was a student. Almost a full day had passed until Johnson had been discovered. In 2013, the 17-year-olds body was found upside down inside a rolled-up gym mat at a Georgia high school; he'd suffocated to death. They soon discover that not only is something wrong, but things go much deeper than they ever imagined. Were actively hunting for the person that provided it, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk told Oxygen.com. [12], The independent autopsy found that some time after Johnson's body was recovered from the mat and had passed through a funeral home, it had been stuffed with newspapers. : No charges in Kendrick Johnson death, nr Blackwell Kendrick Johnson_00003415.jpg. Lowndes County is in southern Georgia. Since 17 year old Kendrick Johnson was found dead, in a rolled up gym mat, the question has remained; was this a tragic accident, or a well orchestrated and quickly hidden murder. The sheriff at the center of the Kendrick Johnson death case says his department has gone through the evidence extensively and found no crime. In 2013, Johnsons body was found rolled up in a mat inside a Valdosta-area high school gymnasium. Georgia state law dictates that the coroner be contacted immediately on the discovery of a body, but Watson claimed that he was not notified until six hours later. "This week we are trying Kendrick Johnson as the shooter, the organizer and the planner of Delindsey Mack's murder," she told . And potentially missing videotape? Respondents include three of Johnson's classmates (two or three respondents are unnamed) and local, state, and federal officials: the school superintendent of Lowndes County, the Valdosta-Lowndes crime lab, the police chief of Valdosta, many sheriff's deputies, the city of Valdosta, the state medical examiner, the GBI and five of its agents, and one FBI agent. In 2013, the 17-year-olds body was found upside down inside a rolled-up gym mat at a Georgia high school; he'd suffocated to death. [11] Some of the apparent lapses in coverage were found to result from camera systems that were not synchronized with one another. [Featured image: Kendrick Johnson/Contributed], Life Without Parole: Convicted Kidnappers of Slain Toddler Kamille McKinney Sentenced, Squatter Charged With Murder of Missing Teen Farmer Dylan Rounds, Teen Who Rapped About Shooting Rival Gang Member in Back Charged with Murder. Parents' lawsuit in Georgia gym mat death is dismissed. Kendrick Johnson (Part 1) Crime Weekly. In 2018, an. We have buried kj 3 times and it felt like 3 funerals and i lost him 3 times.. Attorneys in Atlanta describe widespread delays and disruptions to other cases as the prosecution of Young Thug . One of the coroners reports on Kendrick Johnsons autopsy. Time stamps between some separate camera systems differed by as much as twenty minutes for the same time period, giving the impression of a gap for portions of the footage where no gap existed. 2. It's just like,'shut this family up,' sending them on their way, but what they didn't realize is the Johnson family is not going anywhere.". In a statement to CNN, the US Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Georgia said, the final conclusion in the Kendrick Johnson investigation was reached and announced in 2016 by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio (USAO NDOH), which handled the matter. A recording that reportedly contains an emotional confession of an individual who may have been involved in the suspicious 2013 death of teenager Kendrick Johnson in Georgia is now being vetted by authorities, police said this week. However, Johnsons parents say classmates killed their son and law enforcement and school officials covered up the crime. That students father is a retired FBI agent. Furthermore, Johnsons parents argued, if this was an accident, how could no one have heard Kendrick call for help in a high school of over 3,000 students? It's just like,'shut this family up,' sending them on their way, but what they didn't realize is the Johnson family is not going anywhere. The case was. His mother posted on her Facebook: No mother or father should ever have to bury their child under these circumstances. Not a big deal, perhaps, except, Another student had an issue with Kendrick and had threatened him several times over a girlfriend. It seemed possible that if Kendrick was trying to squeeze into the center of the mat, he could have scrunched his shoulders together to make himself narrower. The description of these brothers closely resembled that of Brian and Brandon Bell, who the magazine claimed had killed Kendrick because of a fight they had had over a year earlier which had escalated. Despite these resignations, the Department of Justice investigation continued. [29], In November 2015, the Department of Justice filed a motion in the civil case to intervene and stay the case. His sneakers were shoved behind his knees. Paulk noted that Branden Bell left campus an hour before Johnson vanished. The Johnsons were also sure that their sons body had been moved, which was corroborated by Lowndes County Coroner, Bill Watson. The request, however, was denied, even though the coroner Bill Watson had originally expressed a lack of confidence in the Sheriff Departments handling of the case. But inconsistencies in official reports on the condition of Kendricks body and other discrepancies led the family and community to question the official cause of his death. The states attorney has said that anyone who objectively looks at the case details can only come to one conclusion: this was an accidental death. Though it was quickly ruled an accidental death, Kendrick's family thought something was wrong. Then, in 2014, Kendrick Johnsons parents filed a wrongful death suit against the schools officials, alleging that Johnson had been harassed by a white student which went neglected by the school, perhaps due to his race. Students had also told police that it was common for them to leave their belongings in the mats when they didnt want to pay for a locker. the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. "[26] After Moore resigned in 2015,[27] the case was transferred to the Northern District of Ohio under U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach. Nobody wants Kendrick to get justice. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! In the latest report, Paulk dispelled rumors that Johnson and the Bell brothers had any contact on the day Johnson died. Kendrick Johnsons body rolled up inside the gym mat with his shoes behind his knees. The Suspicious Death of Kendrick Johnson.Plus many more disturbing stories.The stories in this Episodes are shocking and exhibit human behavior at its absolute worst. The photo, in which Kendrick Johnsons face is extremely swollen, almost does not look human. Sheriff says recording thought to show proof Kendrick Johnson was murdered, was a cruel hoax His family says despite the setback, they are not giving up hope. "[11], Lt. Stryde Jones, who headed up the investigation for the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, stated: "We never had credible information that indicated this was anything other than an accident. A number of community activists have also spoken out in favor of the forthcoming probe into the Georgia teens death. As far as the feds were concerned, the case was officially and finally closed. Authorities say they are working to verify an audio recording of someone admitting to Kendrick Johnson's death. In it, Paulk wrote, I am quite sure that there will still be a contingent that will believe there was foul play. A coach found out he was dead. For the American professional basketball player, see, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, "Lowdes County Incident Report K. Johnson", "Gym mat death: Attorneys call for surveillance video", "Kendrick Johnson Lowndes County High School gym mat death: Lawyers ask for surveillance video", "Gym Mat Death Shocker: Body Stuffed With Newspaper", "Federal prosecutor will look into Kendrick Johnson case", "FBI agent, sons countersue parents of Ga. teen found dead in gym mat", "Defendants Seek Attorney Fees in Dismissed Kendrick Johnson Case", "Kendrick Johnson suit: Feds want to stop evidence collection", "Third autopsy claims foul play in Valdosta gym mat death case", "Kendrick Johnson's parents still searching for answers to their son's death", "Parents of Georgia teen found dead in gym mat rally for inquiry", "Kendrick Johnson investigation: Feds will not file charges", "Who Killed K.J.?! Crime Junkie did the same thing. This will be the final [investigation], as far as Im concerned, he said. The recording hasnt yet been made public. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! "[35][36], On March 10, 2021, the case was officially reopened. I am quite sure that there will still be a contingent that will believe there was foul play, he wrote. A sheriff in Valdosta, Georgia, has concluded that there is no evidence of a crime in the January 2013 death of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson, who was found dead in a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School. In June 2016, the Department of Justice announced no charges would be filed against anyone in relation to Kendrick Johnsons death, considering there was insufficient evidence to support federal criminal charges.. Abducted in Plain Sight The emotions are reflective of one someone who has a burden like hell on their shoulders.. This time, the autopsy revealed that Kendrick Johnson had suffered hemorrhaging on the right side of his neck, which meant that he likely died from blunt force trauma. For years, however, the teenagers family has insisted the 17-year-old was murdered and that investigators actively worked to stifle the familys pleas for justice. Though 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson's death was ruled accidental after his body was found inside a gym mat on January 11, 2013, many suspect foul play. The individual in question could face extortion charges if the recording is phony,Paulk said. Johnson's mother told Channel 2s Tony Thomas . You want to go on the top of a mountain and scream, Look, people, the evidence is there, Karen Bell added. Investigators, who suspected hed become trapped after attempting to grab a pair of sneakers, ruled his deatha freak accident. I encourage everyone to study ALL the evidence in this file before forming an opinion.. Updated Tuesday marks 10 years since Kendrick died. The NBA has opened an investigation into a social media post by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant after he livestreamed himself holding what appeared to be a gun at a club early Saturday. Idk why but this case in particular seems to bring out the worst in a lot of true crime podcast hosts. [5], Johnson's family filed a $100 million civil lawsuit against 38 individuals, stating that his death was a murder and that the respondents were participants in a conspiracy to cover up the homicide, which they claimed involved two sons of an FBI agent. [38] The sheriff also stated he does not consider the case to be a homicide. The case follows a young man that was found dead in 2013. [24] The magazine used pseudonyms but was otherwise accurate in descriptions of the boys, including the fact that their father was an FBI agent. There are no suspects because we havent made a determination as to whether or not this was murder, Paulk added. Investigators did not take the hoodie and orange and black gym shoes into evidence. In 2013, Johnsons body was found rolled up in a mat inside a Valdosta-area high school gymnasium. The origin and credibility of the recording which was provided to the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office after being purchased by Johnsons family are bothnow being investigated. A Warner Bros. Sheriff says case closed after his investigation finds Kendrick Johnsons death was no crime, Sheriff says recording thought to show proof Kendrick Johnson was murdered, was a cruel hoax. The next day, a teacher found his body inside one of the rolled-up wrestling mats. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. This is how you roll in Valdosta. She and her family maintain that young Kendrick was murdered. "[34] On August 10, 2017, Georgia Judge Richard Porter ruled that Johnson's family and their attorney had to pay more than $292,000 in legal fees to the dozens of respondents in their civil suit, writing "testimony shows that they had no evidence to support their claims that the [brothers] killed Johnson or that any of the other defendants engaged in a conspiracy to conceal the cause or manner of Johnson's death. Im feeling hopeful.. The parents asserted that the sons of the FBI agent killed Johnson and used their connections to cover up the investigation. Now, positional asphyxia is a legitimate cause of death. The latest report addresses several controversial topics at the center of Johnsons death, including the teens autopsy, where his body was found, and cameras located at Lowndes High School. Kendrick was found dead in a gym mat in 2013. You do not believe there was anything criminal? reporter Tony Thomas asked Paulk. The Johnsons were extorted out of $1,000 for a tape that contains an individual admitting to their involvement, he alleged. [28] Shortly after receiving the case, Dettlebach also resigned. [6] That lawsuit was subsequently withdrawn. Thing is, he wasn't just found dead. Finding Kendrick Johnson is an interesting true crime documentary. You are not on the team of righteousness., The family is raising $400,000 to benefit the Kendrick Johnson Foundations mission to raise awareness on the need for increased supervision and safety within our public schools. In their GoFundMe page post, Johnson writes, On January 10, 2013, Kendricks life was tragically cut short when he was discovered dead in a rolled-up gym mat, under highly suspicious circumstances., A subsequent autopsy conducted by our forensic pathologist subsequently confirmed our worst nightmare that our sons death was no accident, she continues. We have a good picture of him and a pretty good description. Local law enforcement was quick to rule it an accident and move on but the family is sure this is a case of murder being covered up. They wont publicly say what that new info is. The Johnsons hoped for a coroners inquest, which would begin the process ofreclassifying the cause of Kendrick Johnsons death as non-accidental and reopening the investigation. Meet The Damselfly, Your New Favorite Insect, Man Who Had Part Of His Brain Removed To Cure Him Of Seizures Says He No Longer Feels Fear, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Johnson was the main "sniper" for the 103 gang, Seely said. This is how you roll in Valdosta, Jackie Johnson said. [33], On June 20, 2016, the Department of Justice announced that they would not be filing any criminal charges related to Johnson's death, stating, "After extensive investigation into this tragic event, federal investigators determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone or some group of people willfully violated Kendrick Johnson's civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime. Sheriff says case closed after his investigation finds Kendrick Johnsons death was no crime Jaqueline Johnson said she doesnt trust local authorities and wants federal investigators to take another look at what happened to her son here nine years ago. But those dreams were cut short when his body was found by students entering the gymnasium rolled up in a standing gym mat. The video was streamed by Morant to his Instagram page, and it was not archived once he stopped the stream. But it is what it is.. Coleman didnt speculate on the speakers identity but emphasized the voice sounded younger in age. He also claimed the tapes unidentified seller, who supposedly sent the Johnsons several texts to orchestrate the purchase, is a white male. All that could be seen from the cameras was Kendrick Johnson walking towards the gym, and then several seconds of footage of him jogging within the gym. Itll be a lot of work, he explained. Kendrick Johnson was a sports-loving, ball-playing high school student in Valdosta, Georgia until January 11, 2013, when he was found dead in his schools gymnasium. An investigation into the death of Kendrick Johnson, the Georgia teenager found dead in a rolled-up gym mat eight years ago, has been reopened, according to Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. Though Paulk said the investigation may take up to six months, both he and the Johnson family are optimistic that justice will finally be served. Johnsons mother told Channel 2s Tony Thomas that shes not surprised by the findings. [26], Shortly before the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore said in a statement that a federal investigation was still open and that "the investigation has proven more complicated and taken longer than originally anticipated. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. They purchased this from an individual and he did not give them his true name. Eventually, after a November 2020 visit by the Johnson family with federal investigators, that request was granted and the Justice Department turned over its investigative material to the sheriffs office. All rights reserved, Privacy Policy|Online Content Agreement, Third Autopsy shows Kendrick Johnson Suffered blunt Force Trauma, Positional Asphyxia: Death due to Unusual Head-Down Position in a Narrow Space, Kendrick Johnson lawsuit: Feds want attorneys to stop collecting evidence, Parents of Georgia teen found dead in gym mate rally for inquiry, National civil right attorney no longer involved in Kenrick Johnson case, Kendrick Johnson family hold rally after filing complaint about missing organs, No wrong doing detected in Kendrick Johnson funeral home probe, Kendrick Johnson footage released; expert find it highly suspicious, KJ family drops $100 million wrongful death suit, Local, federal investigations into gym mat death continue. [12], A subsequent investigation by the Georgia Secretary of State's office found that the funeral home did not follow "best practice" and that other material was "more acceptable than newspaper." [30] After the Justice Department's motion was denied, Johnson's parents dismissed their own wrongful death lawsuit, saying that they hoped to refile it after the conclusion of the federal investigation. The Bells father, a former FBI agent, is accused of directing officials to obscure the investigation, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. News of the re-openedinvestigation was welcomed by Johnsons family. Kendrick Johnson lived with his family in Valdosta, Georgia and attended Lowndes High School. They purchased this from an individual and he did not give them his true name. Investigators concluded he died in a freak accident. Allegedly they were in an altercation on a school bus prior to Kendricks death. Although no charges were ever brought to light, and his death was ruled accidental.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. [21] The president of the Valdosta-Lowndes County chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the former lead investigator for that chapter have stated that they believe the attorneys for the Johnsons have "not been entirely truthful in their statements" and that there was no cover-up in this case. [1][2][3][4] After a preliminary investigation and autopsy concluded that Johnson's death was accidental, his family had a private pathologist conduct a second autopsy which concluded that he died from blunt force trauma. FacebookKendrick Johnson with his mother. Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson stand next to a banner on their SUV showing their late son, Kendrick Johnson, on Dec. 13, 2013, in Valdosta, Ga. On that tape, you very clearly hear what appears to be a caucasian young male admitting very tearful, very fearful and stating twice that he knows that hes going to get caught,, , a spokesperson for the Johnson family, told, . On June 22, 2018, Johnson's body was exhumed.[19]. Investigators ruled it an accident but his family and other people nationwide believe he was murdered.