Source: ABC News

DNA Leads to Arrest in Graduate Student’s 2004 Murder After Years Long Investigation

The Tragic Case of Johnia Berry

In a haunting reminder of a cold case that has lingered for nearly two decades, the murder of University of Tennessee graduate student Johnia Berry has once again drawn attention as investigators have finally made a breakthrough. Berry, only 21 years old at the time of her death, was viciously murdered in her Knoxville apartment. It was a crime that shocked the community and marked the beginning of a complex investigation that, until recently, remained unsolved.

On December 6, 2004, at approximately 4 a.m., an intruder entered Berry’s apartment and brutally attacked her with a knife, stabbing her over 20 times. Her roommate, Jason Aymami, awoke to the chaos and attempted to intervene but was also injured during the attack. Despite his wounds, he managed to flee to a nearby convenience store where he called 911, alerting authorities to the horrific scene unfolding in their apartment.

Details of the Attack

When police arrived, they were confronted with a gruesome scene, including:

• Blood spatter that covered the doorknob, floors, and bedroom doors.
• A knife discovered in the hallway, which was unusually damaged, suggesting a violent struggle.
• A visible pattern of wounds on Berry’s body, comprising approximately 26 stab wounds to various areas, including her neck, chest, and legs.

Detectives quickly deduced that the violence of the attack indicated a personal motive. They focused their inquiry primarily on Berry’s immediate circle, attempting to determine if the assailant could be someone known to her.

The Investigation Unfolds

With no clear suspects initially, the investigation took years of exhaustive efforts. Berry’s fiancé was cleared early in the investigation after establishing his alibi in Michigan. Aymami, despite being wounded, proved to be an important witness, claiming he had seen the killer face-to-face. His recollections were instrumental in creating a composite sketch that would later garner significant public interest.

Berry’s mother, Joan Berry, was relentless in her pursuit of justice, frequently contacting detectives for updates. “There was that feeling that detectives and the sheriff’s office weren’t doing enough,” she remarked, though in reality, they were actively pursuing every lead.

After years of fruitless investigation, it wasn’t until April 2007 that a break in the case emerged. Someone recognized the composite sketch displayed on a billboard and contacted police, leading to the identification of Taylor Lee Olson, a man with a history of petty crimes. Although Olson initially denied any involvement, DNA evidence collected from the crime scene ultimately linked him to the case.

The Confession and Aftermath

Under stress from police questioning, Olson confessed that he had entered Berry’s apartment through an unlocked door, ostensibly searching for car keys during an attempted theft. He was subsequently charged with felony murder, first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated burglary.

Tragically, before the trial could proceed, Olson was found dead in his jail cell, having taken his own life. This devastating turn left investigators, and especially the Berry family, without closure and highlights the tragic nature of the case.

Johnia Berry’s story is a stark reminder of the unresolved violence that can plague communities and the relentless quest for justice that families undertake.

For those who have experienced similar tragedies, or who are struggling with thoughts of self-harm, immediate help is available through crisis support services.

Tags:

cold case, Johnia Berry, murder investigation, DNA evidence, Knoxville crime, University of Tennessee, felony murder, Taylor Lee Olson, unresolved cases, true crime