Justice for Kendrick Johnson

Case Timeline

1. January 10, 2013: Kendrick Johnson’s Untimely Death

Kendrick Johnson, a 17-year-old high school student from Valdosta, Georgia, was found dead inside a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School. His death was initially ruled accidental asphyxiation by the Lowndes County coroner.

2. January 11, 2013: Autopsy Report

The autopsy report released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) concluded that Kendrick’s death was accidental, attributing it to positional asphyxiation while trying to reach for a shoe inside the mat. The findings were met with skepticism by Kendrick’s family.

3. February 2013: Family Raises Concerns

Kendrick’s family publicly questioned the findings of the initial investigation, citing concerns about the circumstances of his death and discrepancies in the report. They sought a second opinion and called for an independent investigation.

4. March 2013: Independent Autopsy

The family commissioned an independent autopsy performed by Dr. William Anderson. This report suggested that Kendrick’s death could have been caused by blunt force trauma, raising further doubts about the initial findings.

5. April 2013: Initial Investigation Closed

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office closed their investigation, maintaining the conclusion of accidental death. The decision sparked protests and calls for further investigation from the community and Kendrick’s supporters.

6. July 2013: Federal Investigation

Under pressure from the public and civil rights organizations, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced they would open a federal investigation into Kendrick’s death to examine potential civil rights violations.

7. October 2013: Family Files Civil Lawsuit

Kendrick’s family filed a civil lawsuit against the Lowndes County school district and several officials, alleging wrongful death and civil rights violations. The lawsuit sought to bring attention to the case and hold responsible parties accountable.

8. February 2014: DOJ Statement

The DOJ released a statement indicating that they found no evidence of civil rights violations in Kendrick’s case. This announcement was met with disappointment and frustration from Kendrick’s family and supporters.

9. April 2014: Reopened Investigation

Following persistent public outcry, the case was reopened by the GBI for further investigation. This included re-examining evidence and conducting additional interviews.

10. June 2015: Second Autopsy Findings

A second independent autopsy, conducted by Dr. Michael Baden, confirmed that Kendrick’s death was caused by blunt force trauma. The findings renewed calls for justice and further investigation.

11. December 2016: New Evidence

New evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, was released, suggesting potential tampering with the crime scene and raising questions about the initial investigation’s integrity.

12. April 2018: Documentary Release

The case gained national attention with the release of a documentary film, “Finding Kendrick Johnson,” which detailed the events surrounding Kendrick’s death and the ongoing quest for justice.

13. August 2018: Special Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) appointed a special investigator to review the case, focusing on new evidence and allegations of mishandling by local authorities.

14. February 2019: Legal Developments

Kendrick’s family continued their legal battle, pushing for the release of additional evidence and a full review of the investigation’s handling. The family’s advocacy efforts led to increased media coverage and public support.

15. June 2020: Public Advocacy Campaign

The Kendrick Johnson Foundation launched a major advocacy campaign to push for justice and transparency, organizing rallies, petition drives, and media outreach to keep the case in the public eye.

16. November 2021: Continued Investigation

Despite numerous investigations and legal actions, the case remains unresolved. The GBI continues to review evidence and respond to new developments, while Kendrick’s family remains committed to seeking justice.

17. January 2022: Sheriff Releases Investigation Synopsis

In January 2022, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk released a synopsis of his review after the case was reopened. The sheriff stated that his review of case materials led him to conclude there was no evidence of foul play and that Kendrick’s death was a tragic accident. Kendrick’s family publicly rejected that conclusion and continued to challenge the official findings.

18. September 2023: Family Announces New Federal Lawsuit

In September 2023, Kendrick’s parents, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson, announced a new federal lawsuit involving the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. The family continued to allege that false information, withheld records, and civil rights violations affected the pursuit of truth in Kendrick’s case.

19. October 2023: Default Judgment Request Denied

In October 2023, the Johnson family sought a default judgment in their federal civil case. The request was denied after questions were raised about whether the defendants had been properly served. The family and their representatives continued pursuing the matter and stated that additional evidence could lead to further legal action.

20. February 2025: Appeals Court Sends Lawsuit Back for Review

In February 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that part of the Johnson family’s lawsuit should be reviewed again by the lower court. While the appeals court upheld some parts of the lower court’s decision, it also vacated and remanded part of the dismissal, giving the family another opportunity to pursue claims in court.

21. July 2025: Death Certificate Lawsuit Filed

In July 2025, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson filed an amended federal lawsuit involving the Georgia Department of Public Health. The lawsuit challenged the official cause and manner of death listed on Kendrick’s death certificate and sought an official correction, damages, and a jury trial. The family argued that the official record should reflect the evidence they believe contradicts the original accidental death finding.

22. March 2026: $1 Billion Federal Lawsuit Dismissed

In March 2026, a federal judge dismissed the Johnson family’s $1 billion lawsuit. The court cited legal and procedural issues, including immunity, service of process, and statute-of-limitations concerns. The judge also acknowledged concerns about inconsistencies between official reports and the family’s allegations, but concluded that the claims could not proceed in that case.

23. March 2026: Family Files New $10 Billion Civil Rights Complaint

Following the dismissal of the $1 billion lawsuit, Kendrick’s parents filed a new civil rights complaint seeking $10 billion. The complaint named the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and two federal judges as defendants. The Johnson family alleged that their constitutional rights had been violated and continued to call for accountability and due process.

24. April 2026: Case Reported as Active with Reward Offered

In April 2026, reports stated that the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office continued to consider the case active and that a $500,000 reward was being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The Johnson family continued their public advocacy, legal efforts, and calls for transparency.

25. Current Status: Continued Advocacy and Legal Efforts

As of 2026, Kendrick Johnson’s case remains the subject of public attention, family advocacy, and legal action. While official findings have continued to describe Kendrick’s death as accidental, his family and supporters continue to dispute that conclusion and seek truth, accountability, and justice. The Kendrick Johnson Foundation remains committed to honoring Kendrick’s life, raising awareness, supporting community action, and keeping the call for justice alive.

The Kendrick Johnson Foundation remains active in advocating for Kendrick and other families affected by similar tragedies. The foundation continues to seek justice, raise awareness, and support efforts to uncover the truth behind Kendrick’s death.

For the latest updates and more information, please visit our GoFundMe page and follow our ongoing efforts to seek justice and honor Kendrick’s legacy.

Kendrick Johnson Foundation – Honoring Kendrick’s Life, Pursuing Justice, Inspiring Change.