Judge dismisses $1 billion lawsuit in Kendrick Johnson gym mat death case

A federal judge has dismissed a $1 billion lawsuit filed by the parents of Kendrick Johnson, the Georgia teen found dead inside a rolled wrestling mat in 2013.

The ruling ends the family’s latest effort to hold law enforcement agencies liable for what they allege was a long‑running cover‑up.

Teen Found Dead in High School Gym

On Jan. 11, 2013, classmates found 17‑year‑old Kendrick Johnson upside down inside a rolled wrestling mat at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia. Investigators maintain he died in a freak accident while trying to retrieve a shoe that fell inside the mat.

However, Johnson’s parents disputed that conclusion. They cited an independent autopsy that reported “unexplained non‑accidental blunt force trauma.”

Kendrick Johnson Case Reopened, Then Reaffirmed

In 2021, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk reopened the case. Months later, he released a report stating that physical evidence, interviews, and grand jury testimony showed no proof of foul play. He also rejected claims of a cover‑up, saying it would have been “impossible to conceal any evidence” due to the number of agencies involved.

This led to his parents, Kenneth and Jacquelyn Johnson, announcing the $1 billion lawsuit in September 2023, 11Alive reported. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office were amongst the agencies named in the suit.

Judge Notes Inconsistencies but Dismisses Claims

U.S. District Judge Sarah Geraghty acknowledged inconsistencies in the original investigation. She noted a mismatch between Johnson’s shoulder width and the size of the mat opening described by a deputy. She also cited the coroner’s report describing the “investigative climate” as “very poor to worse.” This included claims that Johnson’s body had been moved and a sealed body bag opened, according to CBS News.

Additionally, she referenced surveillance footage obtained by CNN. An analyst said the video showed signs of alteration, though the footage fell outside the statute of limitations.

Legal Barriers Blocked the Kendrick Johnson Lawsuit

Despite her concerns, Geraghty ruled that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation could not face the lawsuit because the Eleventh Amendment grants it immunity. She also determined that Lowndes County did not receive proper service within 90 days of the complaint. She dismissed the claims against two media companies for insufficient evidence.

Family’s Efforts Continue

The Johnson family has long maintained that their son was killed and that officials concealed the truth. They attempted to remove Geraghty from the case, alleging bias, but that motion was denied.

More than 13 years after their son’s death, the family continues to seek answers.

According to 11Alive, the Johnson family plans to appeal the ruling as well as a complaint against Geraghty.