Episode 4: Silent Gym, Hidden Truths
The Mysterious Death of Kendrick Johnson

On the morning of January 11th, 2013, students at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, made a chilling discovery — the body of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson, found upside down in a rolled-up gym mat. Officials called it a tragic accident. But Kendrick’s family—and many others—believe something far more sinister happened.

In this episode of Someone Knows, we unravel the tangled timeline of Kendrick’s final moments, the disturbing discovery of his missing organs, and the inconsistencies that continue to haunt the investigation. From surveillance gaps to multiple autopsies, reopened cases, and legal battles, Kendrick’s story is one of pain, persistence, and unanswered questions.

Because someone knows what happened in that gym.
And it’s time they speak up.

 Written, researched, and produced by Kellianne Rugh If you have any information about Kendrick Johnson’s case, contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office or submit tips anonymously.

Bibliography

• CNN. "Sheriff releases closing report in Kendrick Johnson case." CNN.com. 2022.
• USA Today. "What we know about Kendrick Johnson’s death and the investigation."
• Washington Post. "Sheriff reopens Kendrick Johnson case." 2021.
• NPR. "Second autopsy says Georgia teen died of blunt force trauma, not accident."
• New York Times. "Teenager Found Dead in Gym Mat Died Accidentally, Officials Say."
• Justice for Kendrick Johnson Foundation. "Timeline and updates."
• Rolling Stone. "Inside the mysterious death of Kendrick Johnson."
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation official statements.
• Department of Justice case closure memo.
• Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office public records and press releases.

Additional local news outlets, court records, and statements from the Johnson family were also reviewed and referenced for accuracy.