VALDOSTA — Circuit Judge J. Richard Porter on Wednesday denied a motion by the Department of Justice to halt the evidence discovery phase of a $100 million civil lawsuit filed by the parents of Kendrick Johnson.

In a report from the Valdosta Daily Times, it was stated that as part of that hearing, Johnson’s father, Kenneth Johnson, testified he has no evidence his son was murdered by the sons of FBI Agent Rick Bell.  This testimony was part of depositions presented in court on Wednesday.  Johnson’s family has alleged their son was murdered by Bell’s sons and the cause of death was part of a massive cover up executed by a large group of state and local law enforcement officials.

Representatives of the almost 40 named defendants in the suit, brought by the Johnson family, were in the courtroom as part of the hearing, in addition to the Johnson family, supporters, and legal team.

Judge Porter ruled on three motions presented by the U.S. Department of Justice: A motion to intervene, a motion to stay, and a motion to file motions under seal.

The case is a result of the death of Kendrick Johnson, who was found dead in a rolled up wrestling mat at Lowndes High School in 2013.  Though all investigations to date and evidence have concluded the tragic death was an accident, the victim’s family has insisted their son died as a result of actions brought by the Bell family including the aforementioned broad cover up.  This suit is part of those accusations.