Parents of student found dead in gym mat file suit blaming classmates

Jan 15, 2015 - 10:02
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Parents of student found dead in gym mat file suit blaming classmates
Kendrick Johnson

The parents of a Georgia teenager found dead inside a rolled-up gym mat two years ago have filed a lawsuit accusing classmates of killing him at school in a case that was covered up by school officials and investigators.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson of Valdosta names 38 defendants, including three Lowndes High School classmates it says attacked Johnson on Jan. 10, 2013. Sheriff's investigators concluded the teenager died in a freak accident after becoming stuck upside down in the mat. No criminal charges have been filed.

Leigh Touchton, a former Valdosta NAACP president who has closely followed the case, says allegations in the lawsuit filed Monday are outrageous and unfounded.

Federal authorities are still conducting their own investigation launched in October 2013.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.