KDHPD hopes film cracks cold case

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WAVY) - Investigators in Kill Devil Hills hope a new documentary will help solve a 15-year-old cold case murder.

The documentary, titled “Murder of a Beach Girl,” outlines the murder of Denise Johnson, a longtime resident of the Outer Banks. Johnson was murdered in her childhood home on July 13, 1997.

While detectives have been diligent in their investigation with the help of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Johnson’s killer remains elusive.

Sgt. J.C. Towler, Jr. with the Kill Devil Hills Police Department said the documentary on Johnson’s murder showcases the investigation from the perspective of those close to Johnson and the case. Johnson’s sister, Donnie Johnson, appears in the documentary along with first responders and the lead investigator in the case.

“The hope is that the program will rekindle community interest in solving the case and encourage those who have information to come forward to provide new leads for investigators to pursue,” Towler said.

The documentary is about 25 minutes long and will premiere on Gov TV Channel 20 at 9 p.m. Friday. It will also be available on YouTube on the Town of Kill Devil Hills’ page located here .

Anyone with information on the murder of Denise Johnson should call the Kill Devil Hills Police Department at 252-449-5337.