Kendrick Johnson inquest and protests

The death of Kendrick Johnson at Lowndes High School in January is still considered suspicious by many, and protests continue, with increasing news coverage. I hear there’s going to be a vigil at the Lowndes County palace tomorrow evening.

WCTV posted a compendium 16 January 2013, Father Speaks Out at Prayer Vigil for Lowndes High Student, including statements from the Lowndes County Schools Superintendent and from the Sheriff’s Department.

George Boston Rhynes of course has been on the case from the beginning, including videoing the protests and interviewing protesters. As he says, it’s a human rights issue.

Quinten Plummer wrote for the VDT 11 April 2013, Family wants answers in LHS student’s death

“The unofficial ruling from the crime lab was that it was certainly an accident and there were no signs of foul play, whatsoever,” said Prine. “Once we get the final results back from the autopsy, that information will be made available to the public. I feel very badly for the suffering that family has to go through, and of course, our hearts and prayers go out to the family. It was a terrible way to end a life and we’re doing everything we can.”

Kendrick’s family has reportedly hired an attorney, backed by a pair of retired homicide detectives conducting their own investigation, but The Times’ phone calls to the reported attorney weren’t returned.

Butter Bracco wrote for The Global Dispatch 12 April 2013, Sheriff’s role in Kendrick Johnson death called into question, coroner even seeking answers

Lowndes County Coroner Bill Watson has been in contact with the GBI regarding Kendrick’s autopsy, he said. But the Coroner hasn’t enjoyed the same level of cooperation from the sheriff’s office as the GBI, said Watson, who also stated he wasn’t contacted when Kendrick’s body was first discovered.

The Office of the Sheriff and the Office of the Coroner are two separate positions, so critics are asking why is the Lowndes Sheriff’s Department handling evidence to be given to the GBI?

Watson provides further insight about his relationship with the Lowndes County Sheriffs’ Office to the Valdosta Times’ April 11 story.

“You may not want me on your crime scene, but it’s a law. It’s not something you can change your mind about.”

Patrick Davis wrote for the Examiner 13 April 2013, KJ Movement wants to focus on peaceful assembly and justice for Kendrick Johnson

The District Attorney of the Southern Judicial Circuit, J. David Miller, met for the very first time with the Johnson family and lawyers this week— three months to the day that Kendrick Johnson was first reported missing on January 10.

If I’m not mistaken, this is the same DA who has been involved since the beginning in prosecuting the Quitman 10+2. The Sheriff, meanwhile, met with the family very early.

-jsq