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Family Claims Army Covered Up LaVena Johnson's Murder

3/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

LaVena Johnson, a 19-year-old U.S. Army soldier, died in Iraq in July 2005, and the Army ruled the death a suicide.
The Army cited depression and a breakup, but the Johnson family says she was raped and murdered and alleges concealment.
John Johnson conducted his own investigation and found inconsistencies, including unexplained abrasions and the absence of the bullet.

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Story summary

LaVena Johnson, a 19-year-old U.S. Army soldier, died in Iraq in July 2005, and the Army ruled the death a suicide.
The Army cited depression and a breakup, but the Johnson family says she was raped and murdered and alleges concealment.
John Johnson conducted his own investigation and found inconsistencies, including unexplained abrasions and the absence of the bullet.