Days before turning 17, Justin Johnson, a Jamaican teenager, tragically passed away in Lower Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, following an altercation with three schoolmates. The incident, occurring on a Friday night, involved the chasing of Justin, who suffered from sickle cell disease, into his home, where he later experienced breathing difficulties and passed away at Hershey Medical Center.
Justin’s father, Orville Johnson, described his son as incredibly special and cherished. Justin, who was set to celebrate his birthday soon, had relocated to the district from Jamaica two years prior and was an enthusiastic student at Central Dauphin High School. The circumstances surrounding Justin’s death, including reports of racial slurs being directed at him during the altercation, have sparked an investigation by the Lower Paxton Township Police Department.
While no charges have been filed yet, the school district has acknowledged the reports of racial insensitivity and is cooperating with authorities. The community has rallied around Justin’s family, with the school providing counselling support and organizations like the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission condemning the alleged racist actions and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equality.
