By Noelani Mathews | WCTV Eyewitness News

VALDOSTA – For three years, the Valdosta community has been asking for answers to what happened to Kendrick Johnson.

On Monday, the Department of Justice closed the case, now forcing the community to move forward.

“I felt like it was taking too long and in the course of taking so long, I think it’s also adversely affected the Johnsons and this community,” says Chief Brian Childress, with the Valdosta Police Department.

He feels the news should have come much sooner.

“I’m just relieved that today they’re giving the family and this community the answer,” Chief Childress adds.

An answer that’s shocking to Jai’kel Robinson, and many others in South Georgia.

“As a black male going to VSU, it kind of puts a spotlight on us, like what are they as a community going to do to come back at it,” says Robinson, a student at Valdosta State.

Another VSU student, Amber Chinn, adds, “It can be kind of a race issue, but that’s not the forefront, a child lost his life.”

A 17-year-old student, whose body was found at Lowndes High School in a rolled up gym mat in 2013.

“At the end of the day, it’s a mother who lost her son, who was about to graduate and live his own life,” says Chinn.

“I’m glad things are finally coming to a close, but three years later? It should’ve happened three years ago,” adds Robinson.

Three years gone, but the loss of KJ, many say, they will never forget.