We need your help!

Nearly twenty months have clicked off the calendar since Johnia's murder and still there is no suspect in custody. Our family has tried many, many times to persuade Sheriff Hutchison to allow America's Most Wanted to air Johnia's case. He has flatly refused to cooperate with the show, saying that he believes Johnia's murderer is still in the local area. Airing the case on a national show would cause too many out-of-state calls that would take investigators away from where the sheriff thinks the killer may be - in or near Knoxville.

With that in mind, our family has turned to a state agency, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, for assistance. Johnia's parents have spoken with TBI director Mark Gwyn and he has agreed to help with the investigation, but with one small caveat -- he must be asked by either the sheriff or the DA.

So, we turned to Assistant DA Randy Nichols and asked that he allow the TBI to assist in the investigation -- not just process DNA samples, but to actually come in and lend a hand in the investigation.

To date, both Sheriff Hutchison and DA Nichols have declined to ask for help, saying that everything is being handled locally. The Sheriff has said in the media that the TBI is involved in the case -- they are not. The TBI has processed DNA samples collected by the sheriff's office, but our request is that the TBI actually be asked to look at the investigation.

Our fear is that the longer the murderer remains free, the chance of him being caught decreases.

What we've asked of the DA and the sheriff is simple:

Ask the TBI to come in, look at the investigation as it stands to date, and offer a fresh perspective in the hunt for Johnia's murderer.

We've asked many, many times to no avail. Now we ask for your help.

Please call or write Assistant DA Randy Nichols and / or Sheriff Tim Hutchison and ask that they please honor Johnia's family's request in allowing the TBI to assist with Johnia's murder investigation.

Contact Information:

Sheriff Tim Hutchison
Knox County Sheriff's Office
400 Main Street
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
865-215-2243
Sheriff's Contact Page

Assistant District Attorney General Randy Nichols
400 W Main St
# 168
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-2515
randy.nichols@knoxcounty.org

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Thank you for your help and support.