In the fading light of a December evening in North Memphis, 13-year-old Demont'e Johnson was walking home from a corner store, a simple act that tragically became his last. On December 6, 2019, the young boy's life was cut short by gunfire on Looney Avenue near Leath Street. First responders rushed Demont'e to Regional One Hospital, but his injuries proved fatal. He was a male.
The sudden and violent nature of Demont'e's death sent shockwaves through his family and the community.
His uncle, Jamarr Johnson, spoke of the devastating impact, stating, 'This has wrecked my life completely, my whole life and family's life. It's torn my heart apart.' He described his sister, Demont'e's mother, as being consumed by grief, unable to function in her daily life while wondering when justice would be served for her son. The family remembers Demont'e as a well-mannered child who loved video games and was very active. He had reportedly moved to Jackson, Tennessee, to escape the dangers of the city and was only in Memphis visiting family when he was killed, just four days before his birthday.
In the wake of the shooting, the Memphis Police Department found themselves with few leads. As the case grew cold, authorities sought the public's help. In an effort to generate new information, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee approved a $15,000 reward for any information that would lead to the apprehension, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Demont'e Johnson's murder. This was in addition to a reward offered by CrimeStoppers.
Despite the passage of time and the offer of a significant reward, no arrests have been made in the killing of Demont'e Johnson. The case remains an open and painful chapter for his loved ones, who continue to mourn the loss of a young life full of promise. The senseless act of violence that took him from them has left a void that cannot be filled, and their quest for answers and accountability continues.
