Surveillance video to be released in Kendrick Johnson’s death

A south Georgia judge has ruled that attorneys for Kendrick Johnson’s family can view unredacted surveillance video from the Lowndes High School gym. Johnson died inside the gym in January.

The ruling marks a significant step for Johnson’s parents, who have sought access to the footage. They believe the video could provide answers about their son’s death.

According to 11Alive, Judge Harry Altman issued the ruling after meeting with attorneys for Johnson’s parents, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Lowndes County School District.

Judge Orders Access to Kendrick Johnson Gym Video

The surveillance footage includes hours of recordings from cameras inside and outside the gym. Altman’s ruling allows the family’s attorneys to examine unredacted copies of all the video files.

Previously, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office resisted releasing the footage. The office argued that the recordings showed minors who had not consented to the release of their images.

However, Wednesday’s ruling moves the family closer to seeing footage they have requested for weeks.

Altman described the meeting as productive when 11Alive reporter Blayne Alexander asked about the decision.

Johnson’s family also welcomed the ruling. Still, their attorney, Benjamin Crump, described it as an initial step rather than a complete victory.

“This is not a home run, but it gets us on first base,” Crump said.

Crump has also represented the family of Trayvon Martin.

Family Seeks Federal Investigation and Coroner’s Inquest

Meanwhile, Crump said Johnson’s family plans to formally ask the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene in the case.

Johnson’s parents have continued seeking answers about how their son died. Authorities found the teenager inside a rolled-up wrestling mat at the Valdosta, Georgia, high school.

The family has also requested a coroner’s inquest into Johnson’s death.

Judge Altman is expected to rule on that request Monday.

For Johnson’s parents, access to the surveillance footage represents another step in their effort to understand what happened to their son.