LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. — The sheriff’s office says the investigation into the death of Kendrick Johnson remains active, as officials continue to seek new information in the case.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
In an update, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a $500,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction on Monday.
Johnson’s death has drawn widespread attention over the years, with ongoing questions and calls for accountability from the community and his family.
In January 2013, Johnson was found dead in a rolled-up wrestling mat at Lowndes County High School. Investigators ruled his death an accident.
For more than 13 years, Johnson’s family has maintained the belief that he was killed.
Jacquelyn and Kenneth Johnson filed a lawsuit in 2023 alleging a “conspiracy to violate their civil rights,” saying public records were kept from them. After the lawsuit was dismissed, a Georgia appeals court ruled in 2025 that it should be reviewed again.
RELATED STORIES:
- Family of Kendrick Johnson files amended lawsuit about death certificate
- Kendrick Johnson: Appeals court says family’s lawsuit should be looked at again
- Family of Kendrick Johnson suing GBI, Lowndes County Sheriff
- Georgia student found dead in rolled up gym mat; family seeking $10 billion
In March, a federal judge dismissed a $1 billion lawsuit filed by Kendrick Johnson’s family. Less than 24 hours later, his parents filed a civil rights complaint against the federal court seeking $10 billion.
“The Court again expresses its concern about the inconsistencies between the various official reports on KJ’s death and Plaintiffs’ allegations. However, after careful consideration, the undersigned concludes that Plaintiffs’ claims cannot proceed,” Judge Sarah Geraghty wrote in the dismissal.
In response, his parents filed a new lawsuit against the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and federal judges Leigh Martin May and Sarah Geraghty.
They say the Court has denied them their constitutional right to due process, as well as conspired to cover up their son’s murder.
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and $10 billion with 10% interest.
“If the message is not clear enough, let me make it clear as crystal right now,” Kenneth Johnson said in a statement. “Anyone, regardless of who you are, what position of power and influence you may hold, if you choose to join the murder cover-up scandal of my son, Kendrick, you do so at your own peril!”
Sheriff Ashley Paulk is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Officials say anyone with information can report it directly to the LCSO at its headquarters on Prison Farm Road. Those outside the area are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency to provide a statement.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
