In Memory of Shakira Johnson

Shakira Monet Johnson

Shakira Monet Johnson was 11 years old when she vanished on September 13, 2003. She was heading to a convenience store to purchase something for a block party she was attending, not far from her home in Cleveland, Ohio. She vanished in broad daylight. An Amber Alert was never issued for Shakira Johnson, despite possible description of a vehicle.
One month later, on October 15, 2003, her body was found in a field behind an abandoned warehouse and a silk screening business near East 71st Street, east of downtown, by some railroad tracks. She had been sexually assaulted.
Police had an apparent suspect brought to their attention, by the name of Daniel Hines. Hines had previous sexual accusations against children, and had been said to be at or around the block party. Further investigation also found physical evidence linking him to Shakira's disappearance, such as her blood found in his home, along with other bags that match the one she was found in. A jail inmate also testified that Hines had confessed to the murder. Despite all that, Hines was acquitted of the murder of Shakira Monet Johnson. Many people, along with many detectives, still believe he is responsible for Shakira's abduction and murder. Due to the acquittal in 2004, her case is marked as unsolved.
( I am absolutely stunned that they acquitted this man. There was no justice for this little girl, and now, there never will be. I do believe I have read in 2007, he was arrested for raping a 14 year old girl. I bet they are kicking themselves now for their decision.)
Shakira was a student at Nathan Hale Jr. High School. She was a member of the drill team and was a cheerleader. She was also an Honor and Merit Roll Student, with a very bright future ahead of her. My heart goes out to her wonderful mother and family! Always in our prayers, Shakira's story is one that is still talked about often, and impossible to forget!

Shakira's story is impossible to forget.

Please remember Shakira Monet Johnson at her Find a Grave memorial page.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9207020

Sources:
http://www.forgottenvictims.info/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=40:shakira-johnsons&Itemid=161
http://blackangels37775.yuku.com/topic/452#.UAypF6ARClw
http://www.oocities.org/murderedbabies/shakira.html
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=9207020