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Justice for Hailey Johnson: Family uses social media, podcast to raise awareness

Hailey Johnson was shot in the head almost two years ago with no arrest for murder.

MARIETTA, Ga. — Nearly two years later, authorities have not announced an update on the case of the death of a Marietta woman. 

Cobb County court documents show 21-year-old Hailey Johnson's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities have announced no arrests for murder.

Brooks Cleary, 22, has been charged with concealing death, interfering with government property, and making false statements. He was sentenced to 11 years back in March. 

Hailey's family is now hoping to use social media and podcasting to help bring the case back to the forefront.

Barbara Johnson is Hailey's mother. She said the family recently moved to Florida to get a fresh start, as Marietta holds too many dark memories for them. 

"This hanging over our heads is huge -- having to constantly worry that he's going to get out, or he's going to get an appeal, or he's not... they're not going to even try him for murder," Barbara said.

Court evidence shows that on Dec. 26, 2022, Cleary was there for Hailey's final moments at the Campus Edge Apartments, in Marietta, where Barbara said Hailey and Cleary lived. The "Real Life, Real Crime" podcast reveals the nearly 20-minute 911 call a neighbor made because he said Cleary asked him to. Documents show Cleary moved Hailey's body to lay her on his lap. He also allegedly hid the gun in a pile of clothes and sat on it. He told authorities Hailey fell or possibly had a seizure. The 911 caller described what he was seeing as a murder scene. 

"Everybody has said that they know that he murdered her," Barbara said. "So, it's not a mystery."

Barbara said she remembers when Hailey and Cleary started dating. She described him as her fiancé. She also described him as abusive, controlling, and an alcoholic. 

"I always felt that he was a danger to her if... especially if she tried to ever break up with him," Barbara said.

Hailey's family said the relationship brought out a side of Hailey the family didn't recognize. They knew Hailey as a happy and lively young woman who made sacrifices when her mother needed her most. Barbara said she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and had to learn to walk again. 

"I was basically paralyzed for some time," Barbara said. "And I was in a wheelchair for two years, but Hailey, she started homeschooling so she could stay home and help."

Now, they're asking for the public's help sharing her story. The family did an interview with Woody Overton's "Real Life, Real Crime" podcast on Apple Podcasts. They're hoping to use social media and its listeners to raise awareness. 

"For the first time, I feel hopeful that we could get a murder conviction," Barbara said.

Hailey spent her last Christmas with her family and then lost her life the next day. Her 21st birthday was Nov. 23, and now the holidays are coming back around again, furthering the family's grief. Hailey's sister Stella said a murder conviction would finally give them some relief. 

"I just want him to be in prison for the rest of his life," Stella said.

The family is asking everyone to use the hashtag #JusticeforHailey. They're also planning to start a memorial garden, in Hailey's honor at their new home in Florida. 

There is an online fundraiser if you'd like to support. 

RELATED: Cobb County man sentenced to 11 years for concealing the death of his fiancée

RELATED: Family, friends devastated Marietta woman won't complete her dream

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