Baltimore Soldier Dies Mysteriously In Germany

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Baltimore Soldier Dies Mysteriously In Germany

POSTED: 5:55 am EDT July 12, 2005

BALTIMORE -- A soldier who tirelessly patrolled Iraq couldn't wait to come home to his pregnant wife in Baltimore.

WBAL-TV 11 News reporter Rena Ninan said Sgt. Juwan Johnson left the war zone for check-out in Germany and that's where things went terribly wrong. She reported his family is left searching for answers about what caused his mysterious death.

"I'd like to know what happened to my baby," said Stephanie Cockrell, mother of Sgt. Johnson.

Rena Ninan Reports: Family Seeks Answers To Soldier's Death

Johnson had successfully completed an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq where he survived a mine explosion that killed others in his unit. He was even awarded a purple heart.

Ninan said his heart was in Baltimore, where his wife is expecting their first child in November.

"When we found out we were going to have a baby, he really wanted to come home," his wife, Knika, said.

Johnson was just weeks away from being released from active military duty. He planned on working as a recruiter for the National Guard. He was in Germany getting ready to come home when he was found dead in his barracks on July 4.

"How you make it out of Iraq, but found dead in bed on Independence Day?" his mother asked.

Johnson's family says he was a health nut who exercised regularly. The night before his death, he complained to his wife that he wasn't feeling well.

Now, a week after his death, the family is still waiting for answers.

"Every time I call, they tell me they haven't had report or it's still pending." Knika said.

An autopsy was performed last week at Dover Air Force base and the Department of Defense won't comment until it's completed. But a military newspaper said initial reports showed no evidence of alcohol, drugs, suicide or foul play.

"Ultimately, we know God takes you at sometime. I got that," his mother said. "But by what means were you taken? Did you suffer? They are important to me."

The family plans to bury Johnson in uniform followed by a 21-gun salute. Funeral services have been set for Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stay with TheWBALChannel.com and 11 News for the latest news updates.

http://www.thewbalchannel.com/news/4711600/detail.html