Justin Johnson, a 17-year-old Jamaican, passed away on Friday night in Lower Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, following an altercation involving three of his classmates. The cause of his death was not immediately known.
The three schoolmates, who were allegedly all white, allegedly taunted Justin with racial epithets as they rushed after him.
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The 16-year-old Jamaican, who suffers from sickle cell disease, made it inside his home, but not before calling his father to report that he was having trouble breathing.
Later, at the Hersey Medical Center, Justin was pronounced dead. Police detectives plan to conduct an autopsy on him to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.
Orville Johnson, Justin’s father, stated that his son was “very special”, and that Justin was his “life” in an interview with ABC27 News on Monday.
Mr. Johnson described his son as “very special”.
On April 30, Justin was supposed to celebrate turning seventeen. The student’s father claims that two years ago, the 10th grader at Central Dauphin High School, relocated from Jamaica to the district.
Johnson said that three young men showed up at their Bianca Drive home in the Stray Winds neighborhood on the evening of April 26. Johnson claims that his kid told him that the three were school football players.
According to the older Johnson, surveillance footage seems to show the youngsters pursuing Justin outside the house and using offensive language related to race.
“Where did he go? He went to (expletive) Africa?” In the CCTV clip that has been making the rounds on the internet, one of the pursuing lads can be heard screaming.
Johnson claimed at the time that he was at work, although he talked to his son on the phone throughout the event of the incident with his peers.
Justin, according to the father, complained of breathing difficulties when he summoned him back inside the home.
Justin was not meant to overexert himself since, in his father’s words, he had sickle cell illness.
Orville Johnson discovered his child on the floor in an unconscious state when he got home.
Mr. Johnson stated, “I called 911 immediately and they told me what to do. They called me and said I have to come to the hospital because they’re not getting a heartbeat, and I didn’t see him since.”
Johnson added that his child enjoyed going to school and was trying out for the Central Dauphin High School football team, despite the fact that the reason behind the event is still unknown.
Johnson said in a separate interview with the media that he knew the guys who followed his kid from when he had previously visited his house on April 22. Johnson said that Justin revealed to his father that the guys played football for the school at that point.
Although no charges have been brought yet, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department stated that their investigation is still ongoing.
The public was asked to provide the police with footage or tips about the case.
In a statement, the Central Dauphin School District stated that they were “saddened to hear about the passing of Justin Johnson”.
The district took note of the claims that Justin “was subjected to racial insensitivity from classmates,” stating that such conduct runs counter to the fundamental principles of the school.
The school district further added, “We are aware of the social media posts and are cooperating with local law enforcement.”
In an email to parents, school principal Eric Shrader confirmed Justin’s passing and informed them that staff and students may get help from counselors.
Concurrently, a statement was issued by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) offering condolences to Justin’s friends and family.
The organization declared that it would keep an eye on the matter and expressed great “concern” over the reported racist acts.
The PHRC stated, “Hate has no place in Pennsylvania and the PHRC stands committed to making sure everyone has the right to education, employment, housing and commercial property, and public accommodation free from discrimination.”
