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? He clarified that the 17 boxes contain evidence pertaining to the federal investigation, and that his office already had access to the materials from the state's earlier investigation. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. A family spokesperson told NPR they are "cautiously optimistic" after the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office reopened its investigation last week. Lessons from History is a platform for writers who share ideas and inspirational stories from world history. Mills. 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. Guys, this case has plagued us for years. Johnson was found dead on Jan. 11, 2013 inside of a tightly rolled gym mat by classmates atLowndes High School in Valdosta,Georgia. Investigators ruled his death an accident. 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. We want to hear from you! Federal prosecutors began reviewing the case in 2013 after the family requested a separate investigation. Paulk said the process will take at least six months, as there is a lot of material to parse. 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. His family says despite the setback, they are not giving up hope. You do not believe there was anything criminal? Thomas asked Paulk. So, I said put your money where your mouth is.. Mr. Johnson said Kendricks family remained committed to proving that Kendrick had been murdered. Kendrick Johnson, then 17, was found in January 2013 at Lowndes County High School, stuck upside down in an upright mat behind the bleachers. Kendrick Johnson's parents, Kenneth and Jackie, have pushed for more investigation into their son's death. You didnt find nothing in 17 boxes? "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. " It is one of those cases that provides more questions than it does answers. He said the process appeared to be underway, albeit slowed by the holiday season and the pandemic. The report said his body was head-down in a rolled-up mat that was positioned vertically. 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. There will be something in the near future that will rock this town, father Kenneth Johnson said. In October 2013, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia announced a federal criminal civil rights investigation into Johnson's death. Channel 2s Tony Thomas was in Valdosta Thursday as Johnsons parents called the sheriff a liar and part of a much bigger cover-up. Johnson was found dead in a high school gym Now, his mom, Jackie, believes she has the confession tape and has turned it over to police. Sheriff Paulk said the conflicting autopsy reports were complicated by a third autopsy conducted by the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner in 2014. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation initially ruled the death accidental resulting from positional asphyxia, but Johnsons family alleges he was killed by two white students, their culpability shielded through a nefarious conspiracy. 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), Lowndes County Sheriff's findings on death of Kendrick Johnson, Woman who said her baby died while co-sleeping now charged with murder, Ga. police say, No. 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. He owns several businesses outside of his job as a sheriff, he said. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. WebKendrick Johnson, 17, was found dead and rolled up inside a high school gym mat back in 2013. Sheriff says case closed after his investigation finds Kendrick Johnsons death was no crime. A spokesman in the Ohio office declined to comment. For years, the case has confounded residents in Valdosta, Ga., a city of about 56,000 in southern Georgia. He plans to re-interview some individuals and talk to new people, and has already conducted one interview this week, Paulk told WXIA. Please follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @AshesToAshTVDo you have a tip you'd like to give the Ashes To Ash team? 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. The truth, what happened to Kendrick, there is no stopping it.. Its going to come out, no matter how many layers they put on Kendrick, its going to come out, mother Jaqueline Johnson 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. 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. (According to a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Kendricks family, the two students being investigated were sons of a former F.B.I. The sheriff said evidence shows Johnson climbed into one of these rolled-up wrestling mats to retrieve some shoes, got stuck and died. They wont publicly say what that new info is. Parents say they are getting new evidence to prove Kendrick Johnson was killed, claim cover-up 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. Ryan Anthony comes forward with some information regarding what may have happened to Kendrick Johnson. Video shows Johnson walking into and then through the gym on January 10, 2013. You cant make an accident out of a murder.. "I dont really feel like theres anybody out there with knowledge and from what Ive seen I studied all the camera angles and everything else it was a tragic accident. January 10, 2013, 17 year old Kendrick Johnson was found dead, rolled up in a wrestling mat in his high school gym. Kendrick Johnsons murder was first considered an unfortunate incident by law. Sheriff Paulk said he had examined 17 boxes of evidence provided by prosecutors and investigators, including grand jury testimony. To this day, no one knows where KJs organs have gone. 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. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. Reach out at ramzywritersofficial@gmail.com. Investigators ruled his death an 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. Investigators concluded he died in a 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. 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. ", Family Of Ga. 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. Last month the sheriff's office received what Paulk described as 17 "filing cabinet boxes" of evidence including documents and hard drives. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. As you look down the road here, do you guys have other options? The Johnsons point out several things they disagree with in the sheriffs 16-page summary, including results from a third autopsy report and the reports conclusion that the students the family suspects were involved in Kendricks death never had contact with their son the day he died. All Rights Reserved. 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. WebOn January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson's body was found upside down in a rolled-up gym mat. 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. We already knew what team you were on. A storyteller and professional SEO writer. And I mean it's just rightfully so considering all of the letdowns that they've had over the years.". The half-a-million-dollar reward is "one last avenue" for any information the sheriff's office may not be aware of, he said. 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. 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. After a 16-page synopsis concludedthat Johnsons death was an accident last month, Johnsons family still maintains that he was murdered. WebRyan Anthony comes forward with some information regarding what may have happened to Kendrick Johnson. Coleman said he and Johnson's family felt the number of boxes was symbolic, as it matches the years of Johnson's short life. 2023 Cox Media Group. Investigators claim that in the findings of the initial autopsy, Johnson's cause of After the release of my synopsis of the Federal files on the Kendrick Johnson case, his parents have called me a liar and continue to state that Kendrick was murdered," Lowndes County SheriffAshley Paulk said in a statement on Monday. Russ Bynum/AP But Sheriff Paulk, 76, said that as he had reviewed the federal governments documents, it appeared that prosecutors had become determined to charge the two students. Kendrick was in school, one of the safest places your child can be in and my son lost his life but for what, said Johnson. Please email us at AshLand57@gmail.com, we can keep you anonymous. 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. If its a hoax, its a very, very cruel hoax to do to Mrs. Johnson, he told Fox 5. WebThe body of Kendrick Johnson, 17, was found Jan. 11 in South Georgia. The sheriff said Tuesday that while tragic, Johnson's death was just a "weird accident." agent in Georgia.) [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. Plus, I wanted to know myself.. Investigators ruled his death an accident. On Wednesday, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk released his findings in a months-long second look into a previous FBI investigation. He was located in the left corner of the gym, in a Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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 That journey took him first to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia, which he learned had recused itself from the case, then to that of the Northern District of Ohio, where it had been transferred. State authorities ruled his death an accident in 2013, suggesting he dove into the mat to retrieve a shoe and got trapped inside, after an autopsy found that he died of "positional asphyxia." 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. Police said they have no current plans to release the audio tape or a transcript. WebVALDOSTA, Ga. - The brothers accused in a civil suit of killing Kendrick Johnson, the Georgia teen found dead inside a rolled-up gym mat in his high school two years ago, 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. You didnt find nothing in 17 boxes? After the release of my synopsis of the Federal files on the Kendrick Johnson case, his parents have called me a liar and continue to state that Kendrick was murdered," Paulk said in a news release Monday. Teen Found Dead In A Gym Mat Pushes For Answers. He said they believe many of the answers to their questions such as about the state of his body when it was discovered are contained in those 17 boxes. Sheriff Paulk said on Thursday that there was no evidence to show that anyone else was responsible for Kendricks death. Minyvonne Burkeis a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Investigators said he died of positional asphyxia, but his parents have continually said he was murdered. A second autopsy, done at the family's request, determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the right side of Johnson's neck and the "manner of death was not an accident," according to federal investigators. 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. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Investigators could not confirm the liquid and did not collect any as evidence. We already knew what team you were on. WebCNN A second local investigation into the 2013 death of Kendrick Johnson, the Georgia teenager who was found dead in a rolled-up gym mat, has been closed with no charges 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. So what really happened to KJ?. WebKendrick was found dead in the gymnasium at 10:30 a.m. on January 11, roughly 10 hours after his family reported him missing. You are not on the team of righteousness, Jackie Johnson said. A teacher and students found his body the next morning. Authorities say he suffocated trying to retrieve a sneaker "I think this young man met with foul play," former FBI agent says. Paulk said he will personally lead the reopened investigation, which will include some officials who worked on it the first time as well as some new to it. The police deemed it an accident, but two autopsies suggested foul We got many options. Demonstrators held a rally in front of the Georgia State Capitol in 2013 and demanded more information about Kendrick Johnsons death. 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. Ive looked at everything I can look at. If you know of illegal activity involving this or any case, please reach out to your local law enforcement. 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. Paulk met with the family on March 5 to tell them he had formally reopened the investigation. The 17-year "As I engaged in community activities myself here and across the country, it just never sat well with me the way that Kendrick Johnson's case was closed," Coleman said. Paulktold Inside Edition Digitalthat there remains no evidence of foul play in the case. We will keep pushing forward, he said. WebEight years ago, classmates at Lowndes High School in Valdosta found 17-year-old Kendrick Johnsons body inside an upright mat. WebSheriff reopens investigation into death of Kendrick Johnson, found dead inside gym mat; Family of Kendrick Johnson continues to seek answers to questions that surround his A family spokesperson told NPR they are "cautiously optimistic" after the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office reopened its investigation last week. 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? Johnson, a three-sport athlete, was found dead on Jan. 11 in a rolled-up wrestling mat in his high school gym. 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. Johnsons parents thoughts were written on their shirts they were wearing Thursday: Kendrick Johnson didnt roll himself up into no mat. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. "And the uprising as I like to call it this summer just gave me the energy to pursue reopening this case.". Coleman said he and Johnson's parents eventually met with the then-U.S. attorney in Cleveland in November, and asked to have the case reopened. Finding Kendrick Johnson opens with whistleblower Mitch Credle, a 23-year veteran homicide detective with Washington police who investigated Johnsons death with the US attorneys office. 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. If theres something else that somebody knows and doesnt feel like we looked at or studied, come sit down with us," the sheriff said. 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. Family hopes new audio clip could lead to Kendrick Johnsons killer The truth is the truth, Paulk said. The 17-year-old disappeared one afternoon and was found the next morning with his head facing down inside an upright rolled-up gym mat and his feet sticking out of the top. 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 WebGeorgia police revealed on Wednesday that a purported confession tape connected to the case of a Kendrick Johnson is fake. Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson stand next to a banner on their SUV showing their late son Kendrick, in Valdosta, Ga., in December 2013. WebThe body of Kendrick Johnson, 17, was found upside-down in a large mat in his high school gym in 2013. He said that on the campaign trail, he had been approached several times by Black voters who wanted him to look at the case again. (Russ Bynum/AP). 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WebMr. In 2016, Sheriff Paulk, who had retired the year before Kendrick died, decided to run again for his old seat. 17-year-student who was found dead in 2013 in a rolled-up gym mat, concluding that Kendrick Johnson's death was an accident and no charges would be filed, Feds to investigate mysterious teen gym mat death. 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. Paulk had been trying to obtain those federal investigation documents since April 2019. WebKendrick Johnson, who prosecutors call one of Houston's most dangerous gang members, has been found guilty in the 2018 murder of Delindsey Mack. 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. 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. It will be released in theaters nationwide later in the summer through Gravitas Ventures. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Johnson's parents have believed from the outset that their son was killed. 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. "If we find a contradiction we're going to resolve any contradiction, or try to. But if somebody comes in with a different view were going to listen to them certainly.". The Justice Department closed the case in June 2016, saying it could not meet the high legal threshold needed to file federal criminal charges it would have needed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone had killed Johnson, and was motivated by racial animus to do so. The Johnson family and their attorney could not immediately be reached on Tuesday. You do not believe there was anything criminal? Thomas asked Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. 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. His feet were visible from the top of the mat, the report said. The exclusive clip above, featuring Lewiss voice, details some of the explosive findings in the documentary. It took 14 months to go through it, Paulk said. "When the news came down, I can say that, in one breath, they're grateful, they're thankful for the reopening," Coleman said. Paulk said he has not received any viable tips since announcing the reward. The county sheriff said the death, initially ruled an accident, should The sheriff says case closed again but he will reopen it if someone brings him verified new information. What happened to Ryan after he gave his statement?Can the Ashes to Ash team discover what really happened to Kendrick on January 10th, 2013? They had a recording that they actually purchased from someone who said that it would be valuable as far as saying who possibly had committed the crime and change their situation, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk told Fox 5. I will fight as long as I have to uncover what exactly happened to Kendrick Johnson, Kenneth Johnson said. Johnson's family said they believe the teen was murdered and that his death was covered-up. A Georgia sheriff who recently closed the case of a 17-year-student who was found dead in 2013 in a rolled-up gym mat announced Monday he is offering $500,000 of his own money to anyone who has information that leads to an arrest or conviction. The Johnsons have a GoFundMe account open to hire a private investigator to look into what they say is new evidence. 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. 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 Edited by Jason Pollock and Kurt Engfehr, illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, and cinematography by Dennis A. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. His parents believe Kendrick was murdered. Original Score by Dan Edinberg. 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.