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Saturday, July 13, 2024 marks the 27^th anniversary of the murder of Outer Banks resident Denise Johnson. Those who love her are still holding out hope that her killer will be brought to justice.

In the early morning hours of July 13, 1997, firefighters responded to a call in the 2000 block of Norfolk Street in Kill Devil Hills. The house was engulfed in flames and Johnson was found inside. She had succumbed to smoke inhalation and was found brutally stabbed.

The fire was likely set to hide evidence. Local police worked with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of investigation, but after 27 years, her killer has yet to be identified.

The victim’s sister, Donnie Johnson, reaches out to local news agencies every year seeking remembrance for her sister.

“It’s about all I can do,” she said. “She was my sister and I love her. I do it for everybody who loved her … Back in the day, the beach was a lot smaller. Everybody knew Denise. She was a people person. Very sweet, very trusting, very happy.”

Donnie has been hopeful for 27 years, though she recognizes that as time passes, people might not remember details as well. “I always hold out hope. I know the Lord knows. And I know Denise is with the Lord. I know these things for sure.”

Donnie has forgiven Denise’s killer. She says she’s done it for her own self-preservation. “I’m not going to hold anger for something I have no control over. The Lord has helped me to do that.”

Still, she hopes the perpetrator will confess. “I’d guess they haven’t had the best life — always having to look over your shoulder. You can’t forget something like that. I hope he unburdens himself with this and confesses just to save himself.”

“Detectives from our police department have pursued reported leads in this case; however, our diligent efforts have not uncovered any new information,” said Rachel Tackett, public information officer for The Town of Kill Devil Hills.

Anyone with information about this case can reach out to the Kill Devil Hills Police Department at 252-449-5337. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Line by using the online form at darecommunitycrimeline.org/tips/ or the anonymous tip line at 252-473-3111 or 800-745-2746.

Crime Line has offered a reward of $2,500 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the person responsible. In addition, friends of Denise Johnson established a reward fund of $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

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