Mother hopes podcast and online petition will spark new investigation into daughter's death

COBB COUNTY, Ga – A grieving mother who wants justice for her daughter says she has new hope. Hailey Johnson died almost two years ago. Her mother has vowed to bring her justice. She is now using a podcast to draw attention to what happened to her.

“She was one of a kind, she was very caring, incredible,” said Barbara Johnson, describing her daughter Hailey.

Hailey's sister Stella said: “She was the best sister in the world and I couldn't have asked for a better person to guide me into this world and show me how everything works.”

Hailey Johnson was living in an apartment in Marietta with her boyfriend Brooks Cleary when she died on December 26, 2022. Hailey was 21 years old.

Barbara Johnson says Cleary initially said Hailey fell and hit her head. She says it was later determined that Hailey had been shot.

Cleary was charged with concealing a death, making false statements and interfering with government property.

Last March he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Johnson believes he should have been charged with murder.

“In my opinion, that was no justice at all. As a mother, I will never be satisfied with the investigation. We can't get over it because it's always hanging over my head. “What if he gets out?” Johnson said.

The Cobb County District Attorney's Office released the following statement:

“Our condolences go out to the Johnson family for the loss of Hailey, a young life taken far too soon. We were able to file charges based on the evidence we received and must abide by the judge's ruling. However, if further evidence emerges later, we warrant further charges.”, it will certainly be considered.

Johnson hopes more evidence emerges soon. She contacted a podcaster named Woody Overton who produced “Real Life, Real Crime #JusticeForHailey.”

“It’s sad that it has to be this way. We should have brought the murder charge,” Johnson said.

Johnson says the more information comes to light about Hailey and her fate, the closer she will get to justice.

“We just miss her, we want to get justice for her and hopefully let the world know not only who she was, but what really happened,” Johnson said.

There is also an online petition calling for the trial to be reopened. One of Hailey's former teachers just started last week and already has hundreds of signatures.