Shivangi Sinha
In December 2004, Johnia Berry was found stabbed outside the entrance of her Knoxville, Tennessee, apartment. She was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries. In the aftermath, police launched an intense investigation, but answers remained out of reach for months. Her parents, Joan and Mike Berry, along with John and Donna Tiller, endured unimaginable grief and frustration as they searched for justice. ABC’s ‘20/20’ episode titled ‘Blood on the Doors’ delves into the emotional journey they faced and how they turned their pain into purpose.
Johnia Berry’s Parents Had to Wait a Long Time to Get Answers
Johnia Berry was born on August 26, 1983, to Joan Trivett and John Tiller. From the beginning, she was deeply loved by her parents. Although Joan and John eventually parted ways, the former later found love again with Mike Berry, whom she married while Johnia was still young. Mike adopted her when she was just 5, and John supported the decision without hesitation. The little girl grew up in a supportive and loving home alongside her siblings, Tim and Kelly Burke. Meanwhile, John also started a new chapter by tying the knot with Donna Tiller. Johnia remained close to both sides of her blended family, including her step-siblings, Emily and Christopher Tiller. Her family was incredibly proud of her achievements and eagerly looked forward to her completing her degree at East Tennessee State University.
Despite the changes in their family dynamics, John remained close to his daughter in his own way. On the night of December 5, 2004, she called him and said she loved him. Unbeknownst to both, it would be the last time they would ever speak. In the early hours of December 6, Johnia was found with multiple stab wounds outside her apartment in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her parents rushed to the hospital, only to be met with the devastating news of her passing. They worked closely with the police, sharing everything they could, but for a long time, it led nowhere. It wasn’t until 2007 that a DNA match linked Taylor Lee Olson to the crime. However, when the latter took his own life in March 2008, it left her loved ones with a painful sense of unfinished justice. They believed he had taken what they described as the “coward’s way out.”
Mike and Joan Berry Are Dedicated Advocates for Victims’ Rights Today
In the aftermath of their daughter Johnia Berry’s tragic death, Mike and Joan Berry refused to remain passive. Driven by grief and a desire for change, they became active participants in shaping justice, not only for Johnia but for others as well. Their advocacy led to meaningful legislative reform. On May 9, 2007, the “Johnia Berry Act” was passed, which allows law enforcement to collect DNA from individuals arrested on a violent felony charge, even before a conviction. The Berrys strongly believed that if such a law had existed in 2004, their daughter’s killer could have been identified in a matter of days instead of years.
Their efforts didn’t stop there. After Johnia’s passing, Mike and Joan discovered she had been volunteering with a charitable organization, sorting toys for underserved children. Inspired by her compassion, they launched the Johnia Berry Holiday Toy Drive, which has become an annual tradition in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and North Carolina. It continues to serve thousands of children in need, preserving Johnia’s spirit of kindness and generosity. Joan has since become a prominent victims’ rights advocate, working with HOPE for Victims, a nonprofit supporting families affected by violent crime.
Joan also plays a leading role in the Surviving Parents Coalition, an organization that amplifies the voices of parents who have lost children to violence. She is also a vocal supporter of Marsy’s Law, a constitutional amendment that guarantees crime targets specific rights, such as being informed, present, and heard during criminal justice proceedings. In honor of Johnia’s academic aspirations, the family established the Johnia Berry Scholarship Fund at East Tennessee State University.
In September 2024, Joan published her memoir titled ‘The Johnia Berry Story: My Journey for Justice for Johnia.’ Proceeds from the book go toward HOPE for Victims and the scholarship fund. The book not only recounts their painful journey for justice but also celebrates the enduring light Johnia brought into their lives. Today, Mike and Joan Berry still live in Knoxville, Tennessee. While life has moved forward, their daughter’s memory remains deeply woven into their everyday lives. Now proud grandparents, they often spend time with family and take vacations together. Whether it’s spring break trips to Washington D.C. or weekend getaways, the Berrys continue to cherish every moment and have kept Johnia’s love alive through service, family, and remembrance.
John and Donna Tiller Continue to Honor Johnia Berry’s Memories
While John and Donna Tiller have chosen to keep a low profile since the loss of Johnia, their grief has been no less profound. John has, on occasion, spoken about the deep emotional toll her death took on him and how her memory continues to shape his life. The couple now lives in Lebanon, Virginia, where they remain closely connected with their extended family. Their children, Emily and Christopher Tiller, have brought new joy into their lives, making them proud grandparents to three beloved grandchildren. Watching their family grow has been a source of healing and happiness, serving as a gentle reminder of life’s continued blessings even in the shadow of profound loss.
A Devoted Family Man Today, Tim Burke Carries Johnia in His Heart
Tim Burke, Johnia Berry’s brother, continues to live a quiet and grounded life in Lebanon, Virginia. Alongside his wife Kristie, he is raising their three daughters—Camryn, Cassidy, and Cadyn—in a warm, close-knit home. Though the girls never got to know their aunt Johnia personally, Tim and Kristie make sure her spirit is part of their everyday life. They often speak of how Johnia was the light of their lives and how much she loved them. Her memory is honored through family traditions, stories, and keepsakes that keep her close in heart.
Tim is known to be a sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about football. He is active in his local community, often volunteering his time and supporting school and recreational events. He’s built a life centered around family, community, and quiet strength. These qualities echo the love and resilience the entire family has shown in the years since Johnia’s passing. Even though they have lost their beloved Johnia, she will always be alive in their hearts.
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