DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) - The family of Central Dauphin student, Justin Johnson, who died Friday, April 26, will address the media alongside their attorney on Wednesday, said a representative of their recently-hired law firm.
The Johnson Family has hired their own private law firm to conduct its own investigation into their son's death. That firm is Osborne & Francis Law Firm.
According to the coroner, Johnson’s official cause of death was complications of sickle cell disease. The coroner also identified cardiomyopathy — a heart disorder — as another significant condition.
The manner of death was ruled natural. The coroner says Johnson passed away after falling unconscious in his home on Bianca Way on Friday night, April 26.
Security footage from Friday night shows Johnson going outside and then appears to show him and several other boys running while racially-insensitive language is being used.
Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo says even though the autopsy shows Justin’s death was due to his medical condition, that doesn’t mean the case is closed.
“It is a factor that militates against criminal liability but it is not dispositive,” said Chardo. “One of the factors we look at, did the other individuals know of the circumstances? Did they cause stress intentionally or recklessly with malice? We look at all those factors, so we haven’t closed it automatically just because the coroner determined that it was natural causes, we’re still looking at it.”
The DA is asking for time to complete a thorough investigation.
Lower Paxton Township Police are also asking anyone with video or information to contact them directly at 717-558-5900.