U.S. Attorney announces formal review of Valdosta teen’s death
The U.S. Attorney’s office announced Thursday they will conduct a formal review of the case of a Valdosta teen found dead inside a rolled up wrestling mat.
“My goal, and my oath, requires me to follow the facts,” said Michael Moore, the U.S. attorney for Georgia’s Middle District. “Several questions must be answered or confirmed.”
The announcement was another major victory for the parents of Kendrick Johnson, who have never believed their son’s death was an acccident, as concluded by the Lowndes County sheriff’s office. On Wednesday, a Lowndes County judge ordered the release of video surveillance footage from inside the gym where the 17-year-old was found dead earlier this year.
An autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation concluded the teen suffocated after getting stuck reaching into an upright mat for a shoe, although a private pathologist hired by the family said Johnson died from a blow to his face that caused a heart attack.
Moore cautioned Thursday that federal jurisdiction is limited.
“I will follow the facts wherever they lead,” he said.
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About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
