Family of Kendrick Johnson searching for answers three years later

VALDOSTA, Ga. — A Georgia family is not giving up their fight for justice.

Friday, they rallied outside the Lowndes County Courthouse, demanding answers in the death of 17-year old Kendrick Johnson.

This weekend, marks three years since the Valdosta teen's body was found in a high school gym mat.

"Three years ago, I got the worst news ever. My son was found dead wrapped up in a mat at Lowndes High School," said Jacquelyn Johnson.

Jacquelyn Johnson says January 10, 2013 was the day her life changed forever. "It's just been a downhill battle ever since," said Johnson.

Johnson says her 17-year old son Kendrick Johnson's body was found rolled up in a gym mat at Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Georgia.

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Police say he got stuck and suffocated in the mat, when he was trying to get his shoes.

"You're not going to tell us that my son fell in a mat, stayed there suffocated and died. You're not going to tell us that and we're going to believe it and go with it. We're waiting on the Department of Justice, but our attorneys are still pushing forward," said Johnson.

Recently, they have filed lawsuits against the school board, the sheriff's office and a local coroner office for mishandling their son's body.

"I know in my heart, they're hiding something," said Johnson.

Now, she's wanting those behind her son's death to be held accountable.

"A lot of people are responsible for what happened to my son. Even to the ones that weren't there are responsible because they allowed it to happened," said Johnson.

Officials are investigating two of Johnson's former classmates for possible involvement in the case. They will meet Saturday at the Lowndes County Courthouse at 10 a.m.

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