#justiceforhailey

As a petitioner and former middle school teacher to Hailey Johnson, I am deeply affected by the tragic circumstances surrounding her death—a loss that has left a profound impact on those who knew her. Hailey was a beautiful, vibrant 21-year-old woman with boundless dreams and hopes for her future. She cherished her mother, Barbara, and her sister, Stella, who were the center of her world. In love and full of trust, Hailey believed that her fiancé would protect her, but her life ended under suspicious conditions that have left many questions unanswered. Despite the recent sentencing of her fiancé, Brooks Cleary, to 11 years in prison for concealing her body after she was fatally shot, the court has yet to address the possibility of a murder charge. This decision leaves a haunting gap in the pursuit of justice for Hailey, and I urge a more thorough investigation into the events leading to her death.

In their relentless pursuit of justice, Hailey’s family reached out to the podcast *Real Life Real Crime*, hosted by Woody Overton. In these episodes, Overton speaks with Hailey's family as they openly share all the information they have gathered on her case. Overton is committed to helping this family find the justice they deserve and is working alongside them to bring greater public awareness to Hailey’s story. You can listen to the episode and learn more about Hailey’s case here.

Cleary's sentencing does not provide the closure that Hailey's loved ones deserve, nor does it address the broader issue of intimate partner violence that disproportionately affects women. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, women account for 82% of victims in intimate partner or family-related homicides—a staggering statistic that underscores the prevalence of femicide. Hailey’s case is not an isolated incident; it reflects a societal pattern that demands accountability and justice.

We, as a community, must insist on a reexamination of this case by the Cobb County court system and district attorney’s office. Let this be a call for justice, not only for Hailey but for all women affected by similar tragedies. Please join us in signing this petition to demand that the case be reopened and that all potential charges, including murder, be fully considered.

#justiceforhailey