NAACP calls for look at probationer's death

[Thom Little]

The president of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, Edward Dubose, called for an FBI investigation into the October 2000 death of Macon probationer Steven Johnson. Johnson's body was found in the Ocmulgee River six days after he reportedly ran from probation officers in downtown Macon. Dubose held a news conference Saturday afternoon after the state conference meeting at Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church on Bartlett Street.

"We want this case to be reviewed at the highest level," Dubose said.

The Bibb County district attorney, coroner, Macon police chief and the Georgia Department of Corrections found no wrongdoing in their investigations, according to The Telegraph archives.

Johnson's mother, Renee McGhee, said she still has questions and believes officers covered up what actually happened to her son.

"How do you accidently drown when there is no water in your lungs?" McGhee asked following the news conference.

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/local/13380114.htm