A federal judge has dismissed a $1 billion lawsuit filed by the parents of Georgia teenager Kendrick Johnson, whose body was found inside a rolled-up wrestling mat at his high school more than a decade ago.
Johnson, 17, was discovered upside down inside a gym mat at Lowndes High School in Valdosta on January 11, 2013, a case that quickly drew national attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding his death.
Authorities determined that Johnson died from positional asphyxia, concluding he likely became trapped while reaching into the upright mat to retrieve a shoe. However, his parents, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson, have long disputed that finding, arguing their son was killed and that officials covered up the truth.
Lawsuit Dismissed
The Johnson family filed the federal lawsuit in 2023, accusing several agencies — including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Lowndes County officials, and other entities — of participating in a conspiracy to hide evidence of murder.
But the judge dismissed the case this week, citing several legal grounds, including government immunity protections, procedural issues, and statutes of limitations, according to court records.
While dismissing the lawsuit, the judge reportedly acknowledged inconsistencies in parts of the investigation but ruled that the legal claims could not proceed in federal court.
Long-Running Case
Johnson’s death has remained controversial for more than a decade. Multiple investigations by state and federal authorities — including the FBI — ultimately concluded there was no evidence of foul play.
The case was even reopened in 2021 by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, which again found no proof that a crime occurred.
Family Plans to Appeal
Despite the ruling, the Johnson family has vowed to continue fighting for what they believe is justice. Attorneys for the family have already filed notice of an appeal, signaling the legal battle over the teen’s death is far from over.
More than 13 years after Kendrick Johnson’s death, the case continues to spark debate, leaving lingering questions and deep divisions over what truly happened inside the school gym that day.
