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Rally at Capitol calls for justice for Kendrick Johnson

More than 200 turn out at a rally calling for justice for a Lowndes County High School student who was found dead in the school's gymnasium in January.

The medical examiner ruled the death of Kendrick Johnson an accident saying the teen became trapped in rolled-up wrestling mats while looking for his shoe.

But the family, who ordered a second autopsy, says he suffered head trauma and believe he was murdered.

Jackie and Kenneth Johnson also believe there is evidence of a cover-up after their son's organs were removed during the first autopsy and his body stuffed with newspapers.

They say a video tape that would have shown that side of the gym appears to have been altered and their son's fingernails and clothes are missing.

The Johnson's and their attorney Benjamin Crump attended the rally and are calling on Gov. Nathan Deal to order a coroner's inquest into the death.

"We cannot wait on the federal government to do what the state government and Valdosta is supposed to do," says Crump.

A spokesman for Deal tells WSB's Sandra Parrish that he is awaiting the outcome of the federal investigation.

Those at the rally called for a state investigation to move forward including Martin King III.

"Injustice occurred in Valdosta and we're not going to rest until some form of justice arrives," he says.

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