IA IA - Kenny Johnson, 14, Dubuque, 10 Oct 1987

[jenstar]

hey Kenny. Keeping you in my thoughts darlin. I know nothing new has come up but we're here and we care. <3

 

[DoNotDespair]

I just contacted Cpl. Chris Gorrell of the Dubuque Police Department via email and asked if they have linked Kenny Joe's assault to Danny Heinrich. Danny Heinrich confessed to abducting and killing Jacob Wetterling in 1989, two years after Kenny. Jacob was kidnapped, assaulted and murdered in St. Joseph Minnesota which is only about 5 hours from Dubuque, according to phone maps app. I'll update if the PD responds. Prayers for Kenny, you and the rest of his family. &#128153;

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[PastTense]

30 years later, Dubuque boy's killer still unknown

It was early on Oct. 10 in 1987 when a fisherman found the body of Kenny Joe Johnson rolled up in a carpet in Maus Park in Dubuque. 30 years later, the person who killed him has still not been found.

An autopsy showed Johnson was severely beaten and sexually assaulted.

A number of years ago, when DNA evidence began to factor into many cases, investigators were able to find a profile that could lead back to the killer. "There's a DNA profile in the computer system, in CODIS, that we believe belongs to somebody who has information. Maybe not necessarily a suspect, but definitely somebody who will have some crucial information for us," said Lt. Scott Baxter, with the Dubuque Police.

Police say they've investigated hundreds of leads over the 30 years since Johnson was found dead.

http://www.kwwl.com/story/36588542/2017/10/13/30-years-later-dubuque-boys-killer-still-unknown

 

[Deleted member 242241]

I have always wanted this case solved because I grew up in dbq and Kenny was so young! I don't know much about the details but I can tell you my thoughts.
I most definitely believe it could've been a transient/homeless person that was with him and/or murdered him. I have gone to that park many times. There was a camping spot made by someone that I saw while there and that was in the early 2000s. I believe it is a known camping area for them. No one goes back there unless you hike or fish nearby. I think that's where the rug comes in. It easily could've been a spot to sit on. I think the drinking is the scary part as it was something a predator could've used against him being so young and rebellious, turning him unaware of what was going on. The beatings were probably from him fighting back against the sexual advances.
That park always gave me the creeps because it's tucked back in a corner you wouldn't even notice unless you've been there before. The railroad tracks are right there next to it and a trail. The person could've jumped on a train that day/night never to return again or follow the path and walk the tracks south of dubuque. It must've been someone he was friendly with or casually got to know in those last days otherwise he wouldn't have been there or drinking or any of that. I wish so badly this case is solved. It must have been terrifying what he went through.