Justice for LaVena Johnson

Target:
Both Branches of the United States Congress and President G.W. Bush
Sponsored by: 
Ms. LaVena Johnson, following her family's military tradition,  joined the Army immediately after finishing high school as an honor roll student.

In July 2005, Ms. Johnson was found dead in a military army base in Iraq. The military ruled her death as a suicide. There was evidence found on her body however of a physical struggle consisting of two loose front teeth and a bruised lip which had to be corrected at the funeral home.

Despite her father, Dr. John Johnson's inquires into her body's physical condition, the army responded that the case was closed.

More evidence that did not support the military's ruling of Ms. Johnson's death was a suicide was revealed by a local Missouri news network. Ms. Johnson's mental state was quite stable according to reports before her death, there was a trail of blood leading to the barracks where her body was found as well as evidence that a perpetrator attempted to set her body on fire.

Despite years of Mr. John Johnson's dedicated efforts to have the army reopen the case, they continue to refuse.

Philip Barron, an independent activist, dedicated his effort toward military justice and full disclosure with the website http://www.lavenajohnson.com/ and also started a petition that has recently expired which targeted the Armed Services Committees of the Senate and the House.

There is a renewed interest surrounding the call for justice for LaVena Johnson with more and more people becoming educated of the facts.

Let us utilize this renewed interest and demand our Congress to call for investigations, and full disclosure of the events surrounding the death of such a beautiful soul.

Ms. LaVena Johnson, following her family's military tradition,  joined the Army immediately after finishing high school as an honor roll student.

In July 2005, Ms. Johnson was found dead in a military army base in Iraq. The military ruled her death as a suicide. There was evidence found on her body however of a physical struggle consisting of two loose front teeth and a bruised lip which had to be corrected at the funeral home.

Despite her father, Dr. John Johnson's inquires into her body's physical condition, the army responded that the case was closed.

More evidence that did not support the military's ruling of Ms. Johnson's death was a suicide was revealed by a local Missouri news network. Ms. Johnson's mental state was quite stable according to reports before her death, there was a trail of blood leading to the barracks where her body was found as well as evidence that a perpetrator attempted to set her body on fire.

Despite years of Mr. John Johnson's dedicated efforts to have the army reopen the case, they continue to refuse.

Philip Barron, an independent activist, dedicated his effort toward military justice and full disclosure with the website http://www.lavenajohnson.com/ and also started a petition that has recently expired which targeted the Armed Services Committees of the Senate and the House.

There is a renewed interest surrounding the call for justice for LaVena Johnson with more and more people becoming educated of the facts.

Let us utilize this renewed interest and demand our Congress to call for investigations, and full disclosure of the events surrounding the death of such a beautiful soul.

We the undersigned, urge you to reopen an investigation on the death of Ms. LaVena Johnson. Ms. Johnson, a 19 year old private stationed in Iraq died in July of 2005. Upon her death, the army declared that Ms. Johnson's death was self inflicted.

Due to the dedicated investigation of Dr. J. Johnson, further evidence has been found from the autopsy of Ms. Johnson's body and from the barracks where her body was found.

This evidence includes a blood trail leading toward where her body was found, signs that a perpetrator attempted to burn both the barracks and her body, signs of physical struggle in the form of two loose front teeth as well as a bruised lip which had to be reconstructed by the funeral home which attended to her body.

When Dr. J. Johnson presented this new evidence the response he received from the military is that the case is closed.

We urge you, in the name of democracy, in the name of justice, in the name of civic honor to reopen the investigation of Ms. Johnson's death and fully disclose all findings.

Ms. Johnson was an honor roll student, who straight from high school enlisted herself voluntarily into the army. If her sacrifice is to be honored in action, her death must be thoroughly investigated and if it is found that Ms. Johnson was murdered that the perpetrator be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Rebuilding the morale of our military, of our citizens and our country demands real answers.

We thank you, in advance, for your focused consideration and commitment to justice.
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We signed the "Justice for LaVena Johnson" petition!
# 3,818:
12:57 am PDT, Jun 29, Morten Steen, Norway
# 3,817:
10:38 am PDT, Jun 21, Willie Chance, Florida
As a former military member it saddens me that the very folk that protect this Country Are not protected by the Country
# 3,816:
8:12 am PDT, Jun 18, Carolyn Roshell, Alabama
I'm not shocked. It is time for our GOVERNMENT to stand up, and face facts as to what happened to this GOVERNMENT SOLDIER. We the American People owe her family. After all, in the process of recruiting men and women, the GOVERNMENT encourage them to believe that their best interest is at hand. How can we expect LaVena Johnson's family to have faith in the GOVERNMENT? Please, please help them to know that the wrongful statement of suicide, which is a cover up can be reopened, and corrected. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, where is the justice for the people (her family), and particularly the AMERICAN SOLDIER(S) (LaVena Johnson)?
# 3,815:
8:07 am PDT, Jun 17, Bernice Sanders, Alabama
The military should stop covering up lies. Please help this family to get the truth. They deserve this!!!
# 3,814:
9:38 am PDT, Jun 12, Susan H Llewellyn, New York
# 3,813:
8:26 am PDT, Jun 12, Laura Starrett, New Jersey
# 3,812:
10:55 pm PDT, Jun 6, Krystyna Zarn-Langford, Ohio
Women suffer the worst in war- not only do they face injury and death by their enemies, but rape and sexual assault from the ones who are supposed to have their back. These stories must be heard- reopen the case!
# 3,811:
4:40 am PDT, Jun 6, Jet Barrett, United Kingdom
# 3,810:
6:12 pm PDT, Jun 1, Akeaster Searcy, Alabama
# 3,809:
7:53 pm PDT, May 27, Michael and Dolores Jackson, California
Every incident of rape, assault, and murder must be investigated; none more tragic than this case. The attackers must be found and prosecuted, their protectors harshly disciplined, and the persons who sent out troops into this madness charged with "CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY".
# 3,808:
7:14 am PDT, May 24, Paul Blaby, Australia
from watching the interview with Dr Johnson it is clear the evidence alone with not solve the mystery the answer can only be given from those how served with her at that time and the doctor being a psychologist should be interviewing them when he can he will know from talking to them how will know something about what happened I think he has gone as far a possible with the evidence focus on the people in the area at the time and don't give up. regards Paul
# 3,807:
4:13 am PDT, May 24, Claire Jolie, Australia
The death of Lavena Johnson and the military cover up makes me sick. We only get one chance to live our lives and it is so tragic that this beautiful young womans was stolen from her. The military is not made of men, they are made of cowards, who inflict pain and protect themselves. RIP Lavena...you will never be forgotten to me
# 3,806:
2:30 am PDT, May 23, Name not displayed, Australia
Justice and truth will prevail... war is not an excuse for this behaviour. The facts speak a thousand words and I know LaVena's perpetrator[s] will be brought to justice.
# 3,805:
9:57 pm PDT, May 15, Benita Rodriguez, North Carolina
I would like a full investigation conducted to reveal the actual cause of death for PFC LaVena Johnson. And in the result of a rape and murder, justice served.
# 3,804:
3:14 am PDT, May 14, Kermit L. Bostic, Ohio
A tragedy that cannot ever be erased nor forgotten. Contractors killed this girl and these right -wing ruch Limbaugh types support this by ignoring the obvious evidnece to the contrary of THEIR reports that she had committed suicide
# 3,803:
8:28 pm PDT, May 13, Name not displayed, Georgia
as a former army soldier, they know the truth. I can attest to this! keep pressing on, don't wavier on your faith. God Bless!
# 3,802:
6:58 pm PDT, May 11, Mary Katherine Evans Perrine, Mississippi
I was raped while I was in the Army and I reported it. I was then forced out. I was demoted and treated like a criminal. I hope you find the truth. My heart and prayers are with you.
# 3,801:
8:16 pm PDT, Apr 28, Name not displayed, Florida
As a VA employee, this breaks my heart. My prayers go out to the family. We must end this violence against women and people of color once and for all.
# 3,800:
10:21 am PDT, Apr 27, LISA WILLIAMS, Georgia
THIS IS A TRAGEDY TO ALL WOMEN,SPECIFICALLY THOSE OF AFRICAN DESCENT, WE DEMAND JUSTICE AND A TRUE INVESTIGATION INTO MURDER OF THIS COURAGOUS YOUNG WOMAN. IF OBAMA EVER WANTED TO DO GOOD BY HIS OWN PEOPLE THIS WOULD BE AN EXCELLENTSTART.
# 3,799:
2:28 am PDT, Apr 11, DARRON FELIX, Tennessee
THATS SO SAD THIS HAS TO STOP I CANT BELIEVE THIS
# 3,798:
9:44 pm PDT, Apr 5, LaTisha G, Pennsylvania
I sincerely hope there is justice soon for Ms. Johnson and her family. Her family deserves closure.
# 3,797:
12:50 pm PDT, Apr 1, Penny Cuninggim, Massachusetts
Please investigate the death of LaVena Johnson fairly and completely.
# 3,796:
4:30 pm PDT, Mar 29, Name not displayed, Pennsylvania
There are no words adequate enough to describe the horror of this crime. Justice must prevail.
# 3,795:
11:28 am PDT, Mar 29, Name not displayed, Utah
I'am deeply moved by this tragedy.I happen to come upon this information while scanning black founders (johnson)...ie. As one of a small minority of black gradurates from USU in Utah. I find it appalling Ms Johnson death was ruled a suicide and demand that Congress reopen this investigation.
# 3,794:
10:23 pm PDT, Mar 28, Name not displayed, Georgia
# 3,793:
12:40 pm PDT, Mar 27, LaShawn Lipscombe, Washington D.C.
Anytime lies can be told to get us into war, lies can be told to cover up murders and/or the real number of losses we have sustained as a country in the senseless war in Iraq. In the interest of "freedom and justice for all", do the right thing and investigate and if wrong doing is found, prosecute. Then, overhaul the system of secrecy and lying to families. Thank you.
# 3,792:
3:14 pm PDT, Mar 26, Ulysses Rose, Maryland
# 3,791:
6:08 am PDT, Mar 26, Juanita Ayers, Michigan
I'm so saddened by this tragedy. No one deserves to die like this and have the truth of what happened not be known. This coming from a military family.
# 3,790:
11:09 am PDT, Mar 25, Harold A. Johnson, Florida
This family needs to have closure just as the other soldiers who are killed,black or white. The circumstances seem very strange and should be investigated, maybe independently. Harold A. Johnson
# 3,789:
11:09 am PDT, Mar 25, Name not displayed, Florida
# 3,788:
10:07 am PDT, Mar 25, Name not displayed, Indiana
# 3,786:
8:41 am PDT, Mar 25, Name not displayed, Maryland
Every woman in the United States should be demanding justice for Ms. Johnson.
# 3,785:
4:22 pm PDT, Mar 24, Nicole Warren, Arizona
i hope this gets settled.and soon...eventhough i never met you.may you rest in peace battle.
# 3,784:
7:34 pm PDT, Mar 23, Dorothy Wheeler, Tennessee
Dorothy Wheeler
# 3,783:
6:19 pm PDT, Mar 23, Rashid Mateen, Texas
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE JUSTICE FOR LAVENA JOHNSON, FAMILY.IT IS A SHAME THAT SHE LOST HER LIFE NOT BY THE ENMY BUT BY A COLD HEARTLESS KILLER. AND TO MAKE THING WORSE THE GOVERMENT COVER IT UP.
# 3,782:
2:23 pm PDT, Mar 23, Name not displayed, Illinois
We need to stop letting the Government bypass our opinions and be heard. I am currently in the U.S Army and this would really make me want to address every women and young women not to join the military. This shows everyone in the world how careless the Government really is.
# 3,781:
10:15 am PDT, Mar 23, Tanisha Chance, New York
I my self am a soldier. just in traning alone i have seen some of the most vicious attacks on soldier. The military chooses to over look it, or cover them up. If I had any idea of what was to come i would have never joined. this is clearly murder. Its time for justice!!!
# 3,780:
11:00 pm PDT, Mar 22, Name not displayed, California
# 3,779:
8:54 pm PDT, Mar 22, K. D. ROSS, Mississippi
THIS IS NOTHING COMPARED TO PAT TILLMAN! THE MILITARY HAS ISSUES AND SHOULD NOT ALLOW WOMEN TO SERVE IN DANGEROUS WARTIME AFFAIRS! ALTHOUGH WOMEN ARE CAPABLE OF HOLDING THEIR OWN IN ANY SITUATION, THEY ARE IN-FACT MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS WHO SHOULD BE HOME DOING WHAT WOMEN WERE BORN TO DO AND THAT IS TO TAKE CARE OF THE HOME WHILE MEN GO OFF TO WAR. NOT BEING SARCASTIC LADIES, I'M JUST BEING HONEST. THAT ASIDE, I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE INVESTIGATION AND FEEL THIS SENSLESS MURDER WILL BE RESOLVED AND EVERYONE INVOLVED WILL BE FOUND OUT! IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH OR KNOW SOMETHING YOU SHOULD SAY SOMETHING. I'M SURE THERE IS A WOMAN IN YOUR FAMILY THAT YOU HAVE SOME KIND OF FEELING FOR AND WOULD GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR! THAT'S WHY PEOPLE JOIN THE MILITARY. SO DID LAVENA JOHNSON. SHE WAS SOMEBODY'S CHILD....SEMPER FIDELIS!!!
# 3,778:
6:49 pm PDT, Mar 22, JERRY KING, Pennsylvania
# 3,777:
2:37 pm PDT, Mar 22, Name not displayed, Ohio
Too bad "Date Line" or 48hours can`t pickup on this story..and put the militaries feet to the fire. when horrible things happen to Blacks they all seem to miss it.
# 3,776:
5:58 am PDT, Mar 22, LaSheila Kay, Pennsylvania
Ms. Lavena Johnson went to Iraq to fight for our Country. The military can at least give her respect and honor by finding her murderer. Her family deserves closure.
# 3,775:
12:14 am PDT, Mar 22, Jerie Johnson, New Mexico
# 3,774:
7:23 pm PDT, Mar 21, W. Harris, South Carolina
I am sure this is one of many murders that the government has change to protect their butts.
# 3,773:
3:01 pm PDT, Mar 21, Name not displayed, Washington
My heart goes out to LaVena and her family as I find this quite disturbing. As a woman brave enough to serve for her country, she did not deserve her life to end in this way. The military has always been somewhat sneaky in my mind and she will remains in my prayers a woman of courage. God Bless again LaVena and her family.
# 3,772:
1:17 pm PDT, Mar 21, Name not displayed, California
# 3,771:
9:10 am PDT, Mar 21, Name not displayed, Missouri
I think that it is a shame that our government could be so disconcern for this family's right to know the truth about the circumstances surrounding their daughters death. How could you be so heartless to cover that up? If it was one of their family members they would want the truth as horrible as it may be they would want to know. It's also sad that when you send your love one off to serve our country that this is how they are being protected. Shame on you.Stop covering up apologize to this family for your wrong doing and give them the HELP,RESPECT,&CLOSURE that they deserve.
# 3,770:
9:01 am PDT, Mar 21, Larry X Spruill, Virginia
After four hundred (400) years, We as black people living here in America are still being lych and murder. I pray for the family, but I know one day God will bring justed to this case.
# 3,769:
8:12 am PDT, Mar 20, Marnique Bryant, Florida
OMG! this is unbelievable....
# 3,768:
6:31 am PDT, Mar 20, Name not displayed, Michigan
Please do all the investigating I am a veteran and I can assure you that they will hide whatever they can to keep you from finding the truth just the little that i read tell me that she was murdered and racism is very high in the military and they continue to sweep it under a rug to keep the public from finding out the truth, but I will be praying that your family will find the truth.....but also believe that God knows the truth.
# 3,767:
6:28 pm PDT, Mar 19, Felecia Taylor, Michigan
Bless her family and keep them strong in your word!
# 3,766:
4:34 pm PDT, Mar 19, Katherine Anderson, Colorado
This is the first time that I've heard about this story. I don't remember seeing or hearing anything in the media about this story. Justice must be served. Lavena Johnson's name should be well known to everyone. What can else can be done to make others aware of her story?
# 3,765:
10:34 am PDT, Mar 19, Reasie Bouyer, Georgia
Many prayers for the Johnson Family.
# 3,764:
8:06 am PDT, Mar 19, Name not displayed, Florida
# 3,763:
7:07 am PDT, Mar 19, Delora Johnson, South Carolina
I'm a veteran of the US Army and I'm very familiar with the cover-ups that take place in the military. This sounds fishy and the Army needs to respond truthfully.
# 3,762:
7:37 pm PDT, Mar 18, Lynda Elias, California
This is an atrocity! Please, at least investigate the evidence injuries of LaVena Johnson to determine her true cause of death. My son being a Pvt. in the United States Army, wanted to join to serve and protect this country we live in. Please, do not allow such a questionable death of a United States soldier be overlooked or mishandled. They are our heroes, and our protectors, of our country. The military should be accountable to all our soldiers. Protect them, as they have gallently protected us!
# 3,761:
6:51 pm PDT, Mar 18, Name not displayed, Maryland
# 3,760:
4:36 pm PDT, Mar 18, Cynthia Tolbert, New York
We want Justice for LaVena Johnson and we want it now! There has been a terrible injustice done to someone who was serving this country, what a travesty.
# 3,759:
11:19 am PDT, Mar 18, Name not displayed, Georgia
# 3,758:
10:38 am PDT, Mar 18, Tasha Evans, New Jersey
# 3,757:
8:23 am PDT, Mar 18, Tasha Jones, Louisiana
its sad to see whats goin on around us when will people learn when will they grow up as humans and live with respect for others and there familiys they did not have to take that young lady and hurt her familiy the way they did she was already out there fighting with the enimies as bush say and didnt know the enimies were her own bless the familiy u cant bring her back lord but u can find the justice these people are living there life for
# 3,756:
8:20 am PDT, Mar 18, Jacqueline Robinson, Georgia
# 3,755:
4:56 am PDT, Mar 18, Name not displayed, Maryland
This family deserves the right to know what has happened to Ms. LaVena Johnson, please help this family.
# 3,754:
2:44 am PDT, Mar 18, Name not displayed, Missouri
# 3,753:
7:12 pm PDT, Mar 17, Name not displayed, Virginia
# 3,752:
6:28 pm PDT, Mar 17, Name not displayed, California
For the sake of LaVena's loved ones the truth must be revealed. For the sake of the integrity of the Military the truth must be revealed. For the sake of the American people the truth must be revealed. Secrets must be revealed because the rules of the universe will prevail.
# 3,751:
6:00 pm PDT, Mar 17, Name not displayed, Ohio
Please help this family, investigate and follow thru my prayers are with the family for closure.
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