Les Jones

This has not been Knox County's finest hour. I'm going to hope they know who did it and just can't prove it yet. When things like this happen, none of us feel safe.

Johnia was a friend of my daughter's and we all hated to hear about that. I can't believe that she beat on all those peoples doors and no one would help her! some people are just mean and heartless! My daughter said that Johnia was the only person that she ever knew who NEVER said anything bad about anyone. God bless her family and I hope they get who ever did this soon!

My daughter only knew Johnia for a short while (they worked together) but liked her a lot. Apparently, she was a very sweet girl and fun to be with. Her murder was not only devastating but frightening since both girls are the same age and she lived near us. We hope the sheriff is able to solve this, unlike the Kitchen's murder

I am a truck driver and pass through knoxville several times a week. I saw the bill board and hope and pray that the KCSD or KPD can and will get this solved soon. I have a daughter that wants to attend UT and I have serious reservations about it. Is KNOXVILLE really a safe place for a young girl to be. I know a really good P.I. if you are interested.

I was a friend of Johnia...i cheered with her for years at Top Gun Cheerleading Academy. She is a great person and i dont see why anyone would want to do this to her. I couldnt wait to see her when she married and after she gratuated. I could hardly stand when i attended her funeral. I can hardly believe someone would take anyones life especially my friend Johnias! I still ask why every single day. I cant wait to see the day when they find out who killed her! i hope they rot inside for what they have done to us( her friends) and family! they have no idea what they have taken away from us!

I pass thru Knoxville on accasion, and, seeing the billboard, decided to google...this is a senseless waste. Up'n'at'em detectives...there's a creep on the loose. truck driver/PA.

I was a friend of Johnia's since middle school, and cheered with her in high school. I still can't get over the fact this happened to a poor innocent girl. She was always so sweet & wore a smile on her face. She was loved by many. For those of you who don't know there is giong to be a special on the case on Nancy Grace. They are scheduled to record it on Aug.3, please watch it, and support her fund!

Hi. My name is Chelsea Kinser. Johnia was my babysitter for 2.5 years. She babysat me and my brother. My brother is 8, and i am 13. When i heard of Johnia's death, i instantly wept. I couldn't understand why someone can do something that horrid to someone that loving and caring. She watched me grow, and she was like a sister. When she moved to michigan, i regretfully said i was happy. she treated me like a child, and i wanted to be treated like an adult, and i never really apprectiated her loving thoughts towards me. the only reason she treated me like a child was because, guess what, i was one, and i still am. i cried for almost 3 days straight. i first thought it was a dream when i saw her beautiful swollen face in her caskett. i watched in horror as my sister was buried in to the ground. i wore to her funeral all the jewelry she had given me. she was one of the most generous people i've ever met in my entire life. i loved her. i still do. i have a picture of her on my dresser so i can see her and talk to her and tell her i love her everyday, even though she's not alive. it's not fair. she was fine earlier that day. i feel so bad i never called her! i am crying as i write this letter because im still a child and i am dealing with murder. i can't believe this happened. one day i tried to kill myself so i could see her again, but then i thought, that's not Johnia would want me to do. she probably doesn't want me to cry and be so sad ALL the time. everytime i think of what happened, i cry. she was my sister, and i love her. please write some comments so i can talk to somebody, even though i can talk to Johnia through God.

Chelsea,
I would love to talk with you about all of this. I am so sorry for your and everyone who knew and loved Johnia loss. You are right, though...she would NOT want you to be trying or thinking of killing yourself! You need to be here and be strong and do what you can to help in this horrible situation.

Chelsea,
I know Johnia wouldn't want you to do something horrid to yourself at all. Just remember Johnia's kindness so that one day when you grow up you can follow those footsteps and be kind too. I cheered with Johnia at THS and we became really close the summer before she started at ETSU. My best memory of Johnia is when we would go to the track and run a mile in the morning and then ride around in her convertible with the top off singing Lady Marmalade at the top of our lungs. I dont know why anyone would want to do this to her. I remember for so long she was so lonely and wanted to find a mate. Its terrible that she found him and then all of that went down the drain. I feel so rotten for her parents and what they must be going through. I'm glad that I have some pictures of her from cheerleading and even a film or two of her. I certainly wish I had some more pictures though. When I think of Johnia right now I picture her in heaven having a good time. Does anyone know anything about the Nanny and Grace thing? Email me with some info please.

Although I did not personally meet Johnia, I felt I knew her. My sister Brenda and I were clients of her Mom's in an Abingdon, Va. business. Her Mom would glow with pride as she spoke of Johnia's graduation and wedding. My heart breaks for Johnia, her family and her friends. Justice must be served! Carolyn

I was so priviledged to have gotten to know Johnia during my days at ETSU. She was one of my sorority sisters and I was so proud to call her a sister. I became close to her the week of her Initiation into Sigma Kappa Sorority because I served as her Inspiration Sister. I was actually living in Indianapolis working at Sigma Kappa's National Headquarters when I learned of the her death. Because of the distance, I wasn't able to get home for her funeral, but I wish so much I could have. My favorite memories of her were when we would go to her apartment to drink hot chocolate after our sorority meetings and then in the spring, tooling around in her cute convertible with the top down. I hope that the person who violated her in this horrible way will be found and justice will be served. I continue to keep her family in my prayers.

My name is Angel and my heart goes out to the family of Johnia Berry. I met Johnia when she was only a baby. Her and her family lived in the same community as I did. I babysit Johnia for several years and she was such a lovely child. Always happy and full of joy. I just want the family to know that I have them in my heart and prayers. Johnia grew up to be a beautiful person and I know you are very proud of her, as you should be. I can tell she was dearly loved by all, including me. This is a tragedy and I know in my heart justice will be.

I knew Johnia for a month, maybe. Her death affected me and my other co-workers in a major way. We worked with her at the hospital and the group is always very close. I was lucky enough to spend 2 or 3 times outside work with her. I didn't know it then, but those times were like little sacraments to me. Johnia touched my life so quickly, and she continues to touch my life daily, reminding me to be as selfless as she was every day.
I cried for hours for a full week before the funeral. I just want everyone to see how much death effects even just those people we only know for a month.
I hope and pray the person who did this is found, as I live in a constant state of paranoia and fear that my life could be taken by the same person as well. I am praying also for the Berry's, that they may find peace, whether the killer is found or not.

I would like to get facts regarding the murder of Johnia. I would like to know her address or apartment complex, where she might have been the night of her murder, places where she might have frequented, place of work, local Knoxville friends, and information on the sketched suspect. I am a Knoxville resident and just wonder if I might be able to piece something together.

I would like to get facts regarding the murder of Johnia. I would like to know her address or apartment complex, where she might have been the night of her murder, places where she might have frequented, place of work, local Knoxville friends, and information on the sketched suspect. I am a Knoxville resident and just wonder if I might be able to piece something together.

A memorial candlelight service will be held at the World's Fair Park in memory of Johnia on her Birthday August 26 at 7:00pm.

Johnia lived with me and my sisters on and off during her time at ETSU. My sister Ellen was one of her closest friends. I feel sometimes that i took for granted the days that she lived with us. I miss her so much and I know Ellen does for sure. Ellen even has a pair of jeans of Johnia's that they had traded. She pulled them out the other day and we just sat and cried. I think that the circumstances around her death are very suspicious and i hope that they will find her killer. johnia, you are the light of the world. You will shine on in all of our hearts. love and miss you forever. KK

To Johnia:
Sweetheart I miss you so much...Life is not the same with out you...I talk to Jason every once in awhile and we talk about you and things we used to do together...I wish you were still here...I am still so angry about your death and it's so unfair that you were taken from all of us...I have some of your old things...clothes we traded and several pictures of us being silly and I look at them all the time...I miss your brightness and laughter...you always knew how to liven up the day...I have been to visit you...I am sure you know that...I hope you liked my pink flowers I brought you...pink became my favorite color when I met you...I pray for your family and the capture of your killer...and one day I hope we will meet again in the beautiful place that you are now in...I love you...you were a great true friend and sister to me...I will never forget you...I miss you and love you always and until forever ends....Love ellen

God, i cant put into words what she meant to my sisters and I. Katie is right, I think we did take for granted the times she stayed with us. I remember all the goofy things we did, One night we even took her new car and cruised JC all night long, We didnt care about what anyone thought, we just did it, because...thats how she was, she didnt think about why she was doing good, she just did it, She surely made my life brighter by her smile and her laugh. We will never forget you..never.
Celbrate we will for life was short, but it was sweet for certain!!!

I would like to say thank you to all of Johnia's friend for all your support. And I would like for you to get in touch with me I have something I would like each of you to do for me, its not much and want take a lot of your time. I would like for everyone to know that Johnia was the most wonderful daughter a Mother
could ever wish for, and I love her so... there are no words to express how I miss her... Please come to her candlelight service it is her birthday. Please keep us in all your prayers.
My email address...jberry5916@bellsouth.net
Johnia's Mom

I was watching the news tonight (WJHL-11 in Johnson City) and saw the segment about Johnia. It said that America's Most Wanted approached the Knox County Sheriff's Dept. to do a story about Johnia, but they DECLINED THE OFFER. This kind of national exposure may have produced numerous important leads, and they DECLINED.... GIVE ME A BREAK.

I had heard in the past of an upcoming special on CNN, has anyone heard of this, or when it might be airing? Johnia's family is always in my prayers, and the killer WILL be found.

Johnia and I were elementary and middle school friends. We drifted apart a bit in high school, but were always cordial in passing. I always considered her one of my best friends throughout school. I have never known such a tremendous person. She was very kind to every person she encountered. No words can describe the sadness I feel on this day, her birthday. I can only hope that some closure can be made on this horrendous event.

I think the sheriff's department is following all possible leads in this case. I live in Pennsylvania and have found this story about 5 weeks ago by what I call chance and have not posted anything but just checking to see if there is any kind of progress. I have a ton of questions along with everyone else. I saw there was a sketch of a suspect which makes me wander what makes him a suspect? It occurred in the early AM. Did someone actually see the man in the sketch around that time or was he an unknown face around the complex? Looked young in the picture too early AM is dark here, who gave the description. My mother "passed away" (at least that is what the police here called it) around this time last year and everyone fealt the case was mishandled so it would be really nice to see another family get justice for such a senseless act to such an innocent person. I was Told there was going to be a Court TV about this. Did I miss it? I do not know why an offer from Americas Most Wanted would be declined unless there is someone who may be a possible suspect and it would jeopordize the case. I dont know it just seems odd to decline an offer for National Attention. The circumstances seem so bizarre around this and the randomness seems to not be so random at all.

I think the sheriff's department is following all possible leads in this case. I live in Pennsylvania and have found this story about 5 weeks ago by what I call chance and have not posted anything but just checking to see if there is any kind of progress. I have a ton of questions along with everyone else. I saw there was a sketch of a suspect which makes me wander what makes him a suspect? It occurred in the early AM. Did someone actually see the man in the sketch around that time or was he an unknown face around the complex? Looked young in the picture too early AM is dark here, who gave the description. My mother "passed away" (at least that is what the police here called it) around this time last year and everyone fealt the case was mishandled so it would be really nice to see another family get justice for such a senseless act to such an innocent person. I was Told there was going to be a Court TV about this. Did I miss it? I do not know why an offer from Americas Most Wanted would be declined unless there is someone who may be a possible suspect and it would jeopordize the case. I dont know it just seems odd to decline an offer for National Attention. The circumstances seem so bizarre around this and the randomness seems to not be so random at all.

The sketch was composed by information given by her roommate who saw and was assaulted by the perpetrator. You did not miss the story - they decided to do a more in-depth package and the finished piece has not yet aired. It will be on Nancy Grace's show on CNN Headline news.

I was very close to Johnia for a year and a half, we used to hang out alot before she went to school in knoxville, we both had a class together at ETSU and hung out alot after that. We hadnt spoke for 6 months and then my friend called to tell me the terrible news. Even after all this time I still find it hard to believe that Johnia is gone. You hear about all these things on tv, about missing persons and kidnapped teens but no one even mentioned Johnia on the big news networks. I was having trouble in school, but when I learned what happened I changed my major to criminal justice and I wont sleep until this murderer is caught and is sitting on death row.

johnia was my best friend in high school and for a year afterwards. i miss her very much and i think about her everyday. i pray for her and her family every morning and every night. i just wish that i could talk to her one more time. i would tell her what a wonderful person she really was and what a great friend she was. johnia was there for me when no one else was. she always took time to listen to me. i can't say it enough, i miss and love her very much.

I live just a few miles away from the billboard that displays Johnia's face. I pass it every day. I just want to tell her family how very sorry I am for your loss. I don't understand how someone could be so mean and selfish. I hope they find who took away your beautiful daughter. And I hope they rot in hell.

I post on WATE.COM..and I try to remind people about Johnia from time to time...I only live a few miles from the apt complex where she lived....She was a beautiful young woman and as someone who has experienced personal tragedy in my life...I would like her killer to be caught..But I don't have much confidence in the methods being used by the Sheriff's department...
My heart goes out to her family and I hope that I am wrong and that once the perp is caught, tried and sent away....to be executed at some point..the family can start to heal ..as much as they can.

johnia and i went to school together in tennessee. i have lived in atlanta ga for the past 4 years and i just came home to visit and i seen the billboard and i couldnt believe what i had just seen. right then and there my heart broke. we lost contact after high school. i know she was going to etsu and doing well. i cant believe someone would want to hurt her. she was the type of girl that if u were having a bad day she could brighten it up. oh my goodness i hope that son of a bitch burns in hell. one memory that really sticks out is when she first had gotten her sebring after school we went to sonic and had milkshakes. i loved her so much and i am really angry that some creep did this to her. i want to get out there right now and look for this man. i heard there is a sketch. i want to see this. i want to get involved and help get this case solved because i will be dammned if this creep stays free. i was going to be leaving this weekend but i feel that i have a duty to fulfill. johnia, i im going to really miss you. we will get this creep and he will get the death penalty. to the berry family i send my deepest sympathy and just keep believing in god and he will help us find her killer.
kianna jones

Kianna,
You can see the sketch at the following url address:
http://knoxsheriff.org/news.php?pageNum_Recordset1=9&totalRows_Recordset1=52

JOHNIA WAS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IN HIGH SCHOOL. WE DID SO MANY THINGS AND HAD SO MANY WONDERFUL TIMES TOGETHER THAT I WILL CHERISH IN MY HEART FOREVER. I LOVE HER SO MUCH AND MISS HER TREMENDOUSLY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE BERRY FAMILY. I PRAY HER MURDERER WILL BE CAUGHT. THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DO NOT THINK OF HER, SHE WAS AN AMAZING PERSON. SHE WAS ALWAYS SO FULL OF LIFE AND COULD MAKE THE BEST OF ANYTHING. JOHNIA WAS ALWAYS THE KIND OF FRIEND THAT WOULD BE THERE FOR YOU UNTIL THE END, THERE IS NOTHING SHE WOULD NOT DO FOR SOMEONE SHE CARED ABOUT. I WILL NEVER FORGOT HER. MY LOVE AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO EACH AND EVERYONE THAT KNEW HER. GOD WILL HELP US GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER.
ASHLEY

i babysat johnia when she was small she was the sweetest little girl,she grew up to be a beautiful young lady it was hard for me to accept what happened to her.my daughter was looking forward to going to college before this she has two more years of high school left,after this happened to johnia she has not mentioned going to college.my heart goes out to joan and mike.we think of johnia everyday.

i just learned about johnia death from TV and iam so sorry for the family. it must be really hard i couldnt imagine loseing my lil girl once agin i feel for you but plz dont look toward the police for all the answers look toward god i my self dont live by the bible but god does help me when i ask ,....plz be strong and dont give up

your site says she was killed in JC, TN.

Wasn't she killed in Knoxville?

Carman: she was killed in Knoxville. I'm not sure where you say it says she was killed in Johnson City. That's where she graduated from ETSU. She was just a few weeks from the graduation ceremony.

I always watch Nancy Grace show. When I saw your daughter, I couldn't stop crying.I would also like to comment, your child went door to door asking for help but nobody opened it.What kind of people are they.They don't have any heart. I hope they will find the killer who did this to your beautiful,kind daughter.Our prayers are with you.(california)

Her spirit will not rest until her killer is found and her heart is guiding this mission. If
the killer dare reads this and delights at all
let him be convicted until death with suffering
behind bars until he has to face our maker and
then he'll receive what he is due. Forever and
always let the light of Gods Love prevail and may
darkness and injustice be cast away and creeps like this monster burn in fire and knashing of teeth.

Hello, My name is Larry Henderson and I have written several of you including the Sheriff's
office and Kelly Burke wanting to discuss this
terrible crime. I've written just about everyone with an email address on the oficial Johnia website (the pink one-can't recall name of it at the moment). No one has written me back. I live
in Gulfwood off Fox Lonas 3/4 mile from where Johnia died. No, I do not know who did it but I
have some info and views you may find a bit useful. Why can't any of you reply for God's sake!? You are guilty of what you accuse Hutchison of...not wanting to make all posible efforts. I helped catch a rapist for the police back in 2000 at the Kroger at the end of Cedar
Bluff. I'm not an illiterate or a dumbass. I
grew up in the projects and I know a bit about criminals. You really should hear me out! I will NOT stop writing and trying. I feel so heartbroken for this poor young girl and her family. Also, I live in the area where she was killed. I have two young sons to worry about!
I have a self interest in trying to assist you guys! Can you not at least email me back for God's sake!?? The Sheriff's office blocked my emails re Johnia murder after I had sent them only 3 or 4 emails! Has everyone lost interest in this poor girls murder!!?? At least reply to me! I'd rather talk to you guys FIRST before the KCSD because I believe Hutchison and company are
inept, disinterested, and uncaring. Going to reply to me people or not? My email box is still waiting. I want desperately to try to help.
lhenderson@knology.net

My name is Kristina Hall, Johnia was about to be my cousin when she was killed!! She was going to marry my couisn Jason White. I was about 10 or 11 when this horable thing happened! Now i am 14! She was like a mom to me! You dont really pay any attention to people being killed or diying until it happends to one of your loves ones!! I dont see how someone could do this to someone especially HER!! I wish i could get a hold of that idiot out there that just walks the street like he didnt do a thing!!! I loved her so much!!