Blood on the Door – A Detailed Summary of 20/20’s "Blood on the Door"
Introduction
The "Blood on the Door" episode of ABC News' acclaimed true crime podcast, 20/20, delves into the tragic and unresolved murder of 21-year-old Johnna Berry. Released on May 17, 2025, this episode meticulously chronicles the harrowing events of December 6th, the subsequent investigation, and the enduring quest for justice by Johnna's grieving family.
Case Overview
On the early morning of December 6th, Johnna Berry and her roommate, Jason Amami, were brutally attacked in their Brendan Park Apartments in Knoxville. The assault left Johnna dead and Jason severely injured but alive. The following narrative explores the chaos of that night, the forensic evidence uncovered, and the relentless pursuit to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
The Night of the Crime
At approximately 4:15 am, amidst a particularly windy night with minimal police activity, Jason Amami was awakened by Johnna's screams. Believing she was having a nightmare, Jason initially thought to check on her, but the situation quickly escalated.
Jason Amami [00:38]: "He just kept stabbing and stabbing. I remember trying to defend myself like this with my hands. And that's where I got the cuts on my hands."
Jason confronted an assailant in the hallway, resulting in multiple stab wounds to himself before he managed to escape the apartment complex, seeking help at a nearby convenience store.
Immediate Aftermath and Initial Response
Officer Dinah Kidd of the Knox County Sheriff's Department responded to the emergency call from Weigels Convenience Store. Upon arrival, she found Johnna Berry mortally wounded in the apartment.
Officer Dinah Kidd [05:16]: "When the call came out, we then went to the apartment complex to check on the girl and kind of see what we could find there."
Despite efforts to save her, Johnna succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital. The crime scene was a testament to a violent struggle, with blood traces in every room and a broken knife lying nearby.
Investigation and Key Evidence
Detectives were immediately thrust into a complex case with scant clues. The lack of forced entry suggested that the assailant may have had access to the apartment, raising suspicions about individuals close to Johnna.
Detective [23:07]: "Stabbed so many times. You think this is personal. This is someone who wanted her dead."
Key pieces of evidence included:
- Shoe Print: A blood-soaked shoe print found on a piece of cardboard in the apartment was a potential lead. Forensic analysis linked the tread pattern to a specific type of shoe sold at Walmart, narrowing down suspects.
Johnna's Roommate [22:19]: "There was a very pronounced shoe print and what stood out about the shoe print the most is that it was in blood."
- DNA Evidence: Multiple DNA samples were collected from the scene, including an unknown male's DNA on the knife and in various locations within the apartment.
Detective [21:41]: "There was an unknown DNA that was found on the knife."
Suspects: The Two Jasons
The investigation initially focused on two individuals named Jason in Johnna’s life:
- Jason White: Johnna’s fiancé, a law student in Michigan. He was quickly cleared of suspicion due to corroborated alibis supported by his cell phone records.
Johnna's Mother [26:34]: "No, there was no suspicions in my mind. I had never crossed my mind that Jason White ever did that."
- Jason Amami: Johnna’s roommate and final witness to the attack. Although he survived, his account raised questions about his potential involvement or knowledge of the assailant.
Detective [30:51]: "Could he have gotten the knife and used it to commit this crime?"
Jason Amami was initially regarded as a victim but later came under scrutiny due to inconsistencies in his statements and the nature of the evidence.
Breakthrough and Missteps
Years of investigation yielded few results until DNA evidence pointed to Michael Percival. However, his confession was inconsistent with known details, leading to another dead end.
Detective [52:07]: "Those were not the shoes. This was another dead end."
Subsequent efforts focused back on Jason Amami, who underwent polygraph tests that initially suggested deceit but were later deemed inconclusive due to errors in administration.
Taylor Olson: The Final Suspect
A significant breakthrough occurred nearly three years after the crime when Taylor Olson became a person of interest. His DNA matched the unknown samples found at the scene, leading to his arrest.
Detective [64:37]: "Taylor Lee Olson is 22 years old. He lived about 15 minutes from the crime scene, and he was known to have committed some petty crimes, also harassment, theft."
Olson confessed under intense interrogation but maintained that the stabbing was accidental. Tragically, before he could stand trial, Olson died by suicide in his jail cell, leaving lingering doubts and unanswered questions surrounding the case.
Detective [77:44]: "They finally are getting a suspect in this case."
Aftermath and Legacy
The unresolved nature of the case spurred Johnna’s mother, Joan Berry, to advocate for stricter DNA collection laws in Tennessee, known as the Jonna Berry Act. This legislation mandates DNA collection for all individuals arrested for violent crimes, aiming to prevent similar cases from going unsolved.
Johnna's Mother [61:11]: "I want to know who did this to Johnna. We need answers."
Her relentless pursuit not only honored Johnna’s memory but also contributed to systemic changes benefiting other victims seeking justice.
Emotional Perspectives
Throughout the episode, interviews with Joan Berry provide a poignant glimpse into the family's anguish and resilience.
Joan Berry [35:04]: "When we got to the cemetery, it was raining and Jonna was buried in her engagement ring."
Jason Amami's perspective adds complexity, highlighting the psychological toll and public scrutiny he endured, despite being cleared of direct involvement.
Jason Amami [53:55]: "I have told you the 100% truth."
Conclusion
"Blood on the Door" is a heart-wrenching exploration of loss, investigation, and the quest for closure. It underscores the profound impact of violent crime on families and communities while highlighting the critical role of forensic evidence in the pursuit of justice. Despite the eventual identification of a suspect, the untimely death of Taylor Olson leaves a haunting reminder of the fragility of truth and the enduring pain of unresolved grief.
Notable Quotes Summary
- Joan Berry: "She is my pride and joy. She looked beautiful in her wedding gown." [83:09]
- Detective: "Blood is on the doorknob, Blood is on the floor, blood is on the door." [19:05]
- Jason Amami: "He just kept stabbing and stabbing." [00:38]
- Forensic Expert: "Stabbed so many times. You think this is personal. This is someone who wanted her dead." [07:27]
Final Thoughts
This episode masterfully weaves together personal testimonies, forensic analysis, and investigative journalism to present a comprehensive narrative of Johnna Berry's tragic murder. For listeners unfamiliar with the case, "Blood on the Door" offers a compelling and emotionally charged account of one family's fight for justice amidst the complexities of a perplexing criminal investigation.