Electronic billboards calling for information in the death of beloved special needs woman Alaejah Johnson are on display across Hampton Roads. However, nearly one year after her heartbreaking death from a stray bullet, police haven’t made any arrests.
“I never thought that I would lose a child like this,” said Mary Johnson, Alaejah’s mother, during a conversation with me. “I just hope that [whoever knows who is responsible] have it in their heart to see it from our end.”
Rashed and Mary JohnsonI’ve kept in contact with the Johnson family in the year since Alaejah’s death, and I’ve shared several stories about how Alaejah’s life impacted the community. I interviewed them last year not long after Alaejah died. We spoke again earlier this month about how much they’ve missed their daughter in the last year, and the ongoing search for her killer as the anniversary of Alaejah’s death nears.
Her father, Rashed Johnson, said his daughter was “a genuine soul that loved everybody.”