“Blood on the Door”: 20/20 Reports on Johnia Berry Homicide May 9 2025

This Friday, May 9, 2025, ABC’s 20/20 will air a powerful two-hour episode at 9:01 PM EDT, focusing on the tragic and haunting murder of 21-year-old Johnia Berry in Knoxville, Tennessee. Correspondent Deborah Roberts reports on the heartbreaking story of a young woman whose life was cut short in a brutal attack inside her apartment, and the unyielding pursuit of justice led by her mother, Joan Berry. The episode delves into the emotional aftermath of the crime, the complexities of the investigation, and the legacy Johnia left behind in both legislation and advocacy.

The program examines how, after Johnia was found stabbed and barely clinging to life, suspicion initially turned toward her injured roommate. When investigators cleared him as a suspect, the case stalled, leading to years of frustration and uncertainty. Refusing to let her daughter’s death go unresolved, Joan Berry devoted herself to keeping Johnia’s memory alive and pushing for answers, setting the stage for a long fight that would reshape Tennessee law.

The Night of the Attack: A Violent Intrusion

In the early morning hours of December 6, 2004, an intruder broke into the Brandon Park apartment that Johnia Berry shared with her roommate, Jason Aymami. The intruder was seeking to steal car keys but instead committed a shocking act of violence. Failing to find what he wanted in the living room, he entered Johnia’s bedroom and stabbed her multiple times while she slept. Johnia awoke to a nightmare, sustaining over 20 stab wounds in the attack.

Despite her injuries, Johnia displayed extraordinary strength and determination. She managed to flee her apartment, stumbling down two flights of stairs while leaving a trail of blood behind her. She knocked on several neighbors’ doors, desperately seeking help, but no one responded. Shortly afterward, she collapsed in the hallway. Paramedics arrived and rushed her to the hospital, but despite their efforts, Johnia succumbed to her wounds. Her roommate, Jason, had also been stabbed but survived and fled the scene to call 911 from a nearby convenience store.

A Family in Mourning: Remembering Johnia

Johnia Berry was more than a victim; she was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and fiancée. At 21, she was pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at the University of Tennessee, with a dream of helping children. Her mother described her as vibrant, ambitious, and deeply compassionate. She was engaged to her college sweetheart, Jason White, with wedding plans already underway. The two had chosen their wedding date, prepared guest lists, and even selected names for their future children.

The loss devastated her family, leaving an enduring void. Joan Berry, her mother, recalled the heartbreak of seeing her daughter’s last birthday photo and the painful milestones missed every year since. Yet, amid the grief, Joan transformed her sorrow into action, determined to honor her daughter’s life by preventing similar tragedies for other families.

A Frustrating Investigation: Years Without Answers

In the immediate aftermath of the crime, investigators focused on those closest to Johnia, including her fiancé and her roommate. Jason White was cleared early in the investigation, as he was attending law school in Michigan at the time of the murder. Meanwhile, Jason Aymami faced scrutiny due to his survival and less severe injuries, leading to speculation about his involvement. However, both polygraph tests and DNA evidence ultimately ruled him out as a suspect.

With no immediate suspects and limited forensic leads, the case began to grow cold. Investigators had DNA left at the crime scene but faced a major obstacle: the national DNA database lacked the necessary information to generate a match. Hundreds of DNA samples were tested over the next two and a half years, but no breakthrough came. The absence of an arrest prolonged the agony for the Berry family, who continued to advocate for answers and justice.

A Breakthrough and a Legacy: The Johnia Berry Act

The turning point came in 2007 when a composite sketch led to a tip identifying Taylor Lee Olson as a potential suspect. Olson, who had a record of petty crimes, provided a DNA sample after his arrest on an unrelated charge. The DNA matched the evidence from the crime scene. Olson was arrested for Johnia’s murder on September 24, 2007.

However, the resolution came with a tragic twist. While in custody awaiting trial, Olson took his own life, hanging himself in his cell. With his death, the opportunity for a trial and formal accountability was lost. Nonetheless, his identification brought a measure of closure to the Berry family, ending years of painful uncertainty.

Beyond the arrest, Johnia’s case had a far-reaching impact. Joan Berry lobbied tirelessly for legislative reform, leading to the passage of the Johnia Berry Act in May 2007. The law mandates that DNA samples be collected from individuals arrested for violent felonies in Tennessee. Advocates argue that if the law had been in place in 2004, Olson’s identity could have been discovered within weeks, sparing the family years of anguish and saving investigative resources.

Continuing the Mission: Hope for Victims

Joan Berry’s advocacy did not stop with legislative reform. In memory of her daughter, she founded HOPE for Victims, a nonprofit organization that supports families affected by violent crime. The organization offers resources, guidance, and emotional support for those navigating the aftermath of tragedy. Through this work, Joan channels her grief into helping others, ensuring that Johnia’s story continues to inspire change and awareness.

Today, Johnia’s legacy endures through the law that bears her name and the ongoing mission of HOPE for Victims. Nearly 20 years after her murder, her family and friends remember her for her warmth, optimism, and desire to make the world a better place. As 20/20 brings national attention back to her story, viewers will witness not only the profound loss but the extraordinary strength of a mother who refused to give up until justice was served.

The episode airs Friday, May 9, at 9:01 PM EDT on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.