Berry murder prompts DNA legislation

NASHVILLE — The unsolved murder of a 21-year-old Knoxville woman prompted the Senate to vote unanimously Tuesday in favor of creating six new state positions to process DNA evidence.

The bill had originally sought to set up a DNA database of those arrested in violent offenses. But because the state already has a backlog on DNA evidence, it must first add six processors to accelerate DNA investigations, said Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey.

"We"re terribly behind in processing DNA," said Ramsey, R-Blountville.

Ramsey said the DNA initiative stems from the unsolved murder of Johnia Berry. Berry, whose first name is pronounced "JOHN-uh," was stabbed to death on Dec. 6, 2004, only 12 days before she was to receive a degree with honors from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.

There is a $60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Berry"s killer.

Ramsey said he plans to bring back the DNA database proposal next year and expects that such a database could help track down offenders.

"We feel confident that somebody who did this to Johnia Berry is in the system somewhere," Ramsey said.

Attacked by a knife-wielding man in her Knoxville apartment, Berry died in the hallway of her apartment building after banging on neighbors" doors for help but getting no response.

Joan Berry, Johnia"s mother, attended Tuesday"s Senate session and pressed Ramsey"s voting button to help unanimously pass the bill.