VALDOSTA, Ga. – A lawsuit filed by the parents of Kendrick Johnson was dismissed by United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands Tuesday, according to court documents.

The suit was filed Aug. 11, 2016 and alleged that a number of defendants were involved in a coverup regarding the death of Kendrick Johnson.

Defendants ranged from local law enforcement personnel to school officials.

The body of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson — “KJ” — was found upside down in a vertically stored gym mat at Lowndes High School Jan. 11, 2013. A state autopsy ruled his death accidental. The Johnson family has consistently contended the teenager died of foul play.

Court documents stated “Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure, an action must be dismissed without prejudice for failing to make timely service. Plaintiffs are required to make proof of service, which they have failed to do in this case.”

The claims against the defendants were dismissed without prejudice. 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.