This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It did so after receiving documents it had long requested from a Justice Department investigation that closed in 2016. All Rights Reserved. Kendrick Johnson Please follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @AshesToAshTVDo you have a tip you'd like to give the Ashes To Ash team? WebHis death has been ruled accidental and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation officially closed its investigation in June of 2020 but the family has long believed Johnson was murdered. It goes to show you the coverup is going on in this town, Kenneth Johnson said. Lowndes County sheriff's investigators concluded that he died in a freak accident, falling headfirst into an Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson stand next to a banner on their SUV showing their late son Kendrick, in Valdosta, Ga., in December 2013. EPs include Hill Harper, Elizabeth Hurwitz, Dia Sokol Savage, Kurt Engfehr, Lenny Beckerman, and Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish), who also narrates the film. Mom Jaqueline Johnson said last Wednesday that she wants federal investigators to take a second look at what happened to her son. Investigation reopened into Georgia teenager found dead inside gym mat, Cold case slay solved 30 years after 15-year-old NYC girl found strangled with her own bra : Mothers worst nightmare (EXCLUSIVE), Aerosmith announces farewell tour with multiple New York concerts, Education panel to vote on controversial proposal to move NYCs Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. A family spokesperson told NPR they are "cautiously optimistic" after the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office reopened its investigation last week. The Johnsons have a GoFundMe account open to hire a private investigator to look into what they say is new evidence. Paulk said his review of the extensive FBI investigation, 17 boxes worth of evidence and his own look at the 2013 death of Johnson has come to the same conclusion. WebFamily: New audio confession in Kendrick Johnson case handed to investigators 185,990 views Mar 19, 2021 3.8K Dislike Share 11Alive 851K subscribers The tape reportedly EXCLUSIVE: Was the death of African-American teenager Kendrick Johnson, whose body was found inside a rolled-up wrestling mat in a Valdosta, Georgia high school, a tragic accident or a case of murder? Looking to hire a writer? 6 on Clayton County sheriffs top 10 most wanted list arrested while picking kids up, Prosecutors: Officer accused of killing 16-year-old used badge to steal nude photos from women, Large amounts of drugs, weapons, other contraband seized by Ga. correctional officers, Over 130 vehicles broken into, several guns stolen at Henry County apartment complexes. The evidence does not produce anything to prove any criminal act by anyone that would have resulted in the death of Kendrick Johnson, Sheriff Paulks report said. Kendrick Johnson's body was found in a rolled-up gym mat in January. This is a very unusual accident. Kendricks father, Kenneth Johnson, said he still believed that someone had killed his son, a popular athlete at Lowndes High and the youngest of five siblings. The parents of a Georgia teenager who was found dead in a rolled-up high school gym mat in 2013 believe they bought an audio confession from his killer. Paulk said his office is currently working to verify the recording and follow the chain of custody to determine its legitimacy. Crime scene photos previously obtained by the Daily News showed a sneaker and a sweatshirt stained with what seemed like blood, just feet from Johnsons body at the gym. They did so through Marcus Coleman, a community activist who has served as their family spokesperson for the last eight years. 'Finding Kendrick Johnson' Documentary Shows Facts, Not 2023 Cox Media Group. "Because of these statements, I am personally with my own funds offering a reward of one-half million dollars ($500,000.00) to anyone who comes forward with information that results in the arrest and conviction of a person for the alleged murder of Kendrick Johnson at Lowndes High School.". Michael J. Moore, the former U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Georgia who agreed to review the case in 2013, said on Thursday that there was never pressure to find results one way or the other., The only instruction that we got was to look at the evidence and follow where it leads you, he said. We already knew that nothing was going to be done on your watch. Veteran Aviator and Student Pilot He Helped Land After She Lost Her Nose Gear Take to the Skies Together, Oklahoma Man Charged After Allegedly Covering Up the Murder of the Woman His Wife Was Having an Affair With, Texas Man Continued His Date After Cops Say He Fatally Shot Someone Over $40, Autistic Artist Sebastian Franco Hopes to See Northern Lights as He Contemplates Going Completely Blind, Lori Vallow Daybell's Sister: 'You Expect Me to Just Keep Believing Without Ever Having a Question?'. January 10, 2013, 17 year old Kendrick Johnson was found dead, rolled up in a wrestling mat in his high school gym. Please email us at AshLand57@gmail.com, we can keep you anonymous. In all the evidence weve seen, there is nothing to show that anybody murdered Kendrick Johnson right now. Kendrick Johnsons death has been the continued focus of headlines and theories nationwide. Johnson was found dead on Jan. 11, 2013 inside of a tightly rolled gym mat by classmates atLowndes High School in Valdosta,Georgia. Body Parts Are Missing: Newly-Released Footage of Kendrick Witness comes forward with information regarding the death of Any time you have the inexplicable death of a young man and there are conflicting reports out there, it is the job of law enforcement to look into those things.. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Thats the craziest lie you could have told. WebFor years, rumors and controversy has swirled around the death of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson, a Georgia teen who was found dead inside a rolled-up gymnasium mat in 2013. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office closed the case, but Johnson's family still suspected foul play. His feet were visible from the top of the mat, the report said. Parents say they are getting new evidence to prove Kendrick He plans to re-interview some individuals and talk to new people, and has already conducted one interview this week, Paulk told WXIA. Investigators claim that in the findings of the initial autopsy, Johnson's cause of Kendrick Johnson murder case: Sheriff receives possible audio Minyvonne Burkeis a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Mr. Johnson, 53, said that a forensic pathologist hired by the family, William R. Anderson, had found that the cause of death was blunt-force trauma to the right side of the boys neck, near the jaw. VALDOSTA, Ga. The parents of a South Georgia teen found dead inside a high school gym say they are finding new evidence in the case. Johnsons mother told Channel 2s Tony Thomas that shes not surprised by the findings. We already knew what team you were on. Kendrick Johnson: Confession tape in death of high-schooler WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta twitter feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta instagram feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta youtube feed(Opens a new window), Woman who said her baby died while co-sleeping now charged with murder, Ga. police say, No. Investigators concluded he died in a The father was short on specifics but very vocal about continuing to push for answers in his sons death. VALDOSTA, Ga. The sheriff at the center of the Kendrick Johnson death case says his department has gone through the evidence extensively and found no crime. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Kendrick Johnsons murder was first considered an unfortunate incident by law. 2023 Cox Media Group. Coleman said he initially sought the release of 2015 grand jury proceedings, after Kentucky's attorney general did so in Breonna Taylor's case. Kendrick Johnson's Death And The Chilling Story Behind It Paulk said he has not received any viable tips since announcing the reward. Federal prosecutors began reviewing the case in 2013 after the family requested a separate investigation. Demonstrators held a rally in front of the Georgia State Capitol in 2013 and demanded more information about Kendrick Johnsons death. "And the uprising as I like to call it this summer just gave me the energy to pursue reopening this case.". The sheriff said evidence shows Johnson climbed into one of these rolled-up wrestling mats to retrieve some shoes, got stuck and died. After a 16-page synopsis concludedthat Johnsons death was an accident last month, Johnsons family still maintains that he was murdered. WebQuestions, investigations and lawsuits have abounded in the years since Johnson's body was discovered at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga., in January 2013. You didnt find nothing in 17 boxes? Delindsey Mack murder: Accused gang member Kendrick Reported confession in Kendrick Johnson case given to detetives There will be something in the near future that will rock this town, father Kenneth Johnson said. Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson stand next to a banner on their SUV showing their late son Kendrick, in Valdosta, Ga., in December 2013. Last month, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk released a 16-page document concluding that Kendrick Johnson's death was an accident and no charges would be filed. Death of Kendrick Johnson - Wikipedia Lowndes County Sheriff's findings on death of Kendrick Johnson by Jennifer Smith on Scribd. Authorities say it appears he was trying to reach for a shoe he had left inside the mat before winter break, got stuck and died. Were not singing and dancing by no means, but theres only positivity right now, Marcus Coleman, a spokesman for the Johnson family, told WCTV at the time. Johnson was found dead in a high school gym WebOn January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson's body was found upside down in a rolled-up gym mat. Death of Georgia Teen Found in Gym Mat Was Weird Accident, They wont publicly say what that new info is. Kendrick Johnson case: What happened to him and when did he The objective is to promote history on Medium and demonstrate the value of historical writing. Sheriff Paulk said he planned to make all the evidence in the case, with the exception of the grand jury minutes, publicly available. Questions over Kendrick's death began on Jan. 11, 2013, the moment he was found inside a rolled-up wrestling mat, which was standing upright in a corner of the gym. A storyteller and professional SEO writer. Investigators ruled his death an accident. Police said they have no current plans to release the audio tape or a transcript. A Georgia sheriff's office is reopening an investigation into the 2013 death of Kendrick Johnson, a Black teenager whose body was found inside a rolled-up gym mat in his high school gymnasium. 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. That critical question has defied an easy answer since 2013, despite multiple investigations, autopsies and lawsuits. Sheriff Paulk said on Thursday that there was no evidence to show that anyone else was responsible for Kendricks death. "I'm not accusing anybody of anything, but I want to start fresh with it and look at it all the way through," Paulk told Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA on Monday. " His parents believe Kendrick was murdered. Paulk noted that he was born and raised in Valdosta, and has known the Johnson family for decades, but emphasized that his office is "not starting out with it's a murder it's an accident. Johnsons parents say students at the time of Kendricks death have started coming forward, providing new information they hope to use to reignite yet another official investigation. To this day, no one knows where KJs organs have gone. WebMr. Original Score by Dan Edinberg. The county sheriff said the death, initially ruled an accident, should Officials interviewed nearly 100 people, scoured tens of thousands of emails and texts, reviewed surveillance videos from the high school and consulted with independent medical examiners. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Initially, the case was quickly ruled a tragic, freak accident but after three autopsies, several false leads and a At 1:27 p.m. that day, camera footage showed Kendrick walking by himself into the gym, toward the bleachers, where gym mats were rolled and stored vertically. Coleman said he and Johnson's family felt the number of boxes was symbolic, as it matches the years of Johnson's short life. Sheriff says case closed after his investigation finds Kendrick Johnsons death was no crime. WebRyan Anthony comes forward with some information regarding what may have happened to Kendrick Johnson. The exclusive clip above, featuring Lewiss voice, details some of the explosive findings in the documentary. Investigators saidJohnson died in a freak accident, becoming stuck upside down and unable to breathe after he felltrying to retrieve a shoe that was inside the upright mat. Kendrick Johnson Death: Missing organs are reason to suspect The half-a-million-dollar reward is "one last avenue" for any information the sheriff's office may not be aware of, he said. hide caption. "But in that same breath, 'cautiously optimistic' probably would be the most accurate label. WebThe body of Kendrick Johnson, 17, was found Jan. 11 in South Georgia. Please subscribe of the website www.AshesToAshTV.com to get early access to the episodes, discounted merchandise, and ad free content. WebThe body of Kendrick Johnson, 17, was found upside-down in a large mat in his high school gym in 2013. Coleman said the Johnsons believe their son was struck with an object "which was ultimately the start of his demise," and want his death certificate listed as blunt force trauma rather than asphyxiation. agent in Georgia.) On Wednesday, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk released his findings in a months-long second look into a previous FBI investigation. For years, the case has confounded residents in Valdosta, Ga., a city of about 56,000 in southern Georgia. Kendrick Johnson's body was found upside down in a rolled-up wrestling mat at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, on Jan. 11, 2013. A sheriff's investigation determined there was no foul play in Kendrick Johnson's death in 20 13, but his parents believe there's a cover-up. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Georgia declined to comment and referred questions to the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, which took over the case. Guys, this case has plagued us for years. It will be released in theaters nationwide later in the summer through Gravitas Ventures. (According to a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Kendricks family, the two students being investigated were sons of a former F.B.I. The files that Paulk released last month in his final report included in material from the Justice Department, the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. attorneys office for Middle Georgiaand several other law enforcement agencies. FBI agent, sons countersue parents of Kendrick Johnson, IE 11 is not supported. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. newspaper after death, family lawyer says WebGeorgia police revealed on Wednesday that a purported confession tape connected to the case of a Kendrick Johnson is fake. The Johnson family and their attorney could not immediately be reached on Tuesday. WebKendrick Johnson, who prosecutors call one of Houston's most dangerous gang members, has been found guilty in the 2018 murder of Delindsey Mack. Johnson's body was found in a wrestling mat Jan. 11, 2013, in the high school's gym in Valdosta, Georgia. The report said his body was head-down in a rolled-up mat that was positioned vertically. "When the news came down, I can say that, in one breath, they're grateful, they're thankful for the reopening," Coleman said. Family hopes new audio clip could lead to Kendrick Johnsons killer The truth is the truth, Paulk said. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. I will fight as long as I have to uncover what exactly happened to Kendrick Johnson, Kenneth Johnson said. They also included federal grand jury testimony from 58 people, as well as additional autopsies by a doctor hired by the Johnson family and the Defense Department. WebKendrick Johnson's body was found upside down in a rolled-up wrestling mat at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, on Jan. 11, 2013. You are not on the team of righteousness, Jackie Johnson said. He described their investigation as a witch hunt and said email correspondence between prosecutors showed they had been feeling pressure to get results. WebKendrick was found dead in the gymnasium at 10:30 a.m. on January 11, roughly 10 hours after his family reported him missing. Paulk told Inside Edition Digital that those case files had been what he had been waiting on and he combed through boxes with two other people whohad previously worked on the case. In 2016, Sheriff Paulk, who had retired the year before Kendrick died, decided to run again for his old seat. The film, a Boom Content production, is written, directed, and produced by Pollock and produced by Amy McCampbell, Morgan J. Freeman, and Malcolm D. Lee. WebAlleged gang member, 21-year-old Kendrick Johnson, was sentenced to life in prison and a $10,00 fine on Monday after being convicted of murder in the 2018 shooting death of The next day, a teacher found his body inside one of the rolled-up wrestling mats. [Investigation reopened into Georgia teenager found dead inside gym mat], Kendrick Johnson's parents, Kenneth and Jackie, have pushed for more investigation into their son's death. Russ Bynum/AP All Rights Reserved. You didnt find nothing in 17 boxes? The federal investigation focused on the two students and another person, according to Sheriff Paulks report. His family says despite the setback, they are not giving up hope. He was located in the left corner of the gym, in a Mr. Johnson said Kendricks family remained committed to proving that Kendrick had been murdered. Thats the craziest lie you could have told. Mills. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Teen Found Dead In A Gym Mat Pushes For Answers. It took 14 months to go through it, Paulk said. murder He said the process appeared to be underway, albeit slowed by the holiday season and the pandemic. People still have doubts and the Johnsons still have doubts, and they publicly called me a liar. Investigators ruled his death an accident. His initial request was denied, but the Johnson family continued their pursuit. Paulk, who served as sheriff for 16 years before retiring in 2012 and returning to win reelection in 2016, told NPR the Johnson case has been "very divisive for a long time," with questions still swirling in the community. Police reopened the investigation into Johnsons death earlier this month, five years after the Department of Justice formally closed the original case after being unable to find enough evidence that someone or some group of people willfully violated Kendrick Johnsons civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime.. Plus, I wanted to know myself.. 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. Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk, who was retired at the time of Johnson's death, confirmed to NPR that his office officially reopened the investigation on Friday. Johnsons parents thoughts were written on their shirts they were wearing Thursday: Kendrick Johnson didnt roll himself up into no mat. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. "This will be the first time anybody's had everybody's evidence in one place, so I'm planning to go through every bit of it," Paulk said. Eight years after Kendrick Johnson, 17, was found upside-down in a large mat in his high school gym, the Lowndes County sheriff decided to reopen the case. The truth, what happened to Kendrick, there is no stopping it.. But still an accident? Thomas asked Paulk. The sheriff released a 16-page summary of his investigation on Wednesday including pictures from the Lowndes County gym. The new documentary Finding Kendrick Johnson hopes to shed light on one of the most important American stories of our time. Writer-director-producer Jason Pollock (Stranger Fruit) spent four years on the film, and as part of his efforts interviewed Mitch Credle, a homicide detective who worked the case. There was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone or some group of people willfully violated Kendrick Johnsons civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime, prosecutors said in statement announcing that the Justice Department was closing its case. On January 11, 2013, the corpse of a teen, Kendrick Johnson was being discovered upside-down and folded up in a school gym mat under the most bizarre of conditions. 6 on Clayton County sheriffs top 10 most wanted list arrested while picking kids up, Prosecutors: Officer accused of killing 16-year-old used badge to steal nude photos from women, Large amounts of drugs, weapons, other contraband seized by Ga. correctional officers, Over 130 vehicles broken into, several guns stolen at Henry County apartment complexes. That report also ruled the death accidental and caused by asphyxiation but was later amended to say the cause of death was undetermined.. Its a weird accident, he said on Thursday, one day after he had released a 16-page report that detailed his findings and echoed the ruling made by a previous sheriff in 2013. WATCH LIVE Houston Sheriff Paulk said he had examined 17 boxes of evidence provided by prosecutors and investigators, including grand jury testimony. We want to hear from you! Possible new evidence presented Kendrick Johnson Johnson, a three-sport athlete, was found dead on Jan. 11 in a rolled-up wrestling mat in his high school gym. He reiterated he is not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but wants to examine all the evidence together to make sure nothing was missed. I think the community deserves it.". A sheriffs investigation determined there was no foul play in Kendrick Johnsons death in 2013, but his parents believe theres a cover-up. As you look down the road here, do you guys have other options? "If we find a contradiction we're going to resolve any contradiction, or try to. If theres something else that somebody knows and doesnt feel like we looked at or studied, come sit down with us," the sheriff said. 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. Paulk said he would offer up his own money if someone comes forwardbut that, as of right now, they have not had a viable person come forward yet. And I mean it's just rightfully so considering all of the letdowns that they've had over the years.". The truth is the truth, Mr. Johnson said. Kendrick Johnson Paulktold Inside Edition Digitalthat there remains no evidence of foul play in the case. I felt that I should look at this, he said. Even after the federal investigation, questions about Kendricks death persisted in Valdosta. WebKendrick Johnson, 17, was found dead and rolled up inside a high school gym mat back in 2013. 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. Lessons from History is a platform for writers who share ideas and inspirational stories from world history. Paulk had been trying to obtain those federal investigation documents since April 2019. Kendrick Johnson Kendrick Johnson sentenced to life in prison for 2018 shooting He owns several businesses outside of his job as a sheriff, he said. The sheriff said Tuesday that while tragic, Johnson's death was just a "weird accident." A spokesman in the Ohio office declined to comment. Kendrick Johnson, then 17, was found in January 2013 at Lowndes County High School, stuck upside down in an upright mat behind the bleachers. Georgia sheriff offers $500K of his own money in case of teen Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk recently announced there would be no charges in the case of Kendrick Johnson, 17, who was found in 2013 in a rolled-up gym mat. A teacher and students found his body the next morning. 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. Georgia Sheriff Reopens Case Into Teenager Found Dead in a In his report, Sheriff Paulk said he knew there will still be a contingent that will believe there was foul play., He added in the report, I encourage everyone to study ALL the evidence in this file before forming an opinion., Death of Georgia Teen Found in Gym Mat Was Weird Accident, Sheriff Says, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/us/kendrick-johnson-georgia-investigation.html. Johnson's parents have believed from the outset that their son was killed.