Gym Mat Death Case Update: Feds Issue Subpoenas to Classmates of Kendrick Johnson
It's been one year since Kendrick Johnson's body was mysteriously found wrapped upside down in wrestling mats, with his shoes placed neatly beside. A federal grand jury has now issued subpoenas to his former classmates and their parents in order to learn more about this eerie case.
Current and former students at Lowndes High School and Valdosta High School in Georgia have been subpoenaed in the case and were seen at the federal courthouse, according to CNN. This is the first time people have been interviewed in connection with the case, and the first time officials have been seen making a move since the FBI took over the case.
"We're working methodically, and sometimes we remember we're running a marathon instead of a sprint. So, we're working on it," U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said at a press conference. "It's better to get it right than to get it fast. I'm satisfied that the FBI is moving forward at the appropriate speed, and they're doing a fine job."
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After Johnson's body was found, officials concluded that he had somehow climbed inside the mat and suffocated. However, his family never believed that explanation and requested a separate autopsy for their son. The second autopsy came to the conclusion that Johnson died from "apparent, non-accidental blunt-force trauma."
The case took an even stranger turn when it was discovered that his body's internal organs had been removed and his body filled with newspaper. His skull was also filled with newspaper, adding even more trauma to the family's suffering.
"When we buried Kendrick, we thought we were burying Kendrick, not half of Kendrick," his father, Kenneth, told CNN.
Now that there have been subpoenas issued, Johnson's parents feel one step closer to finding out what happened to their son.
"We really won't feel anything until justice comes for Kendrick," Kenneth said. "We're glad they're here, but my feelings won't be there until we get justice for our son."
"I feel better because it's another set of eyes looking into the case," Kendrick's mother, Jacquelyn added.
