Johnia Berry's family seeks change in state's DNA registry

Nearly a year and half after Johnia Berry's unsolved murder, her family is taking steps to help other victims of violent crimes.

Berry was stabbed to death in her Knoxville apartment in December of 2004. She was 21 years-old. Police found DNA in the apartment they believe belongs to her killer, but they've never been able to make an arrest. Berry's family has started a petition, asking for new legislation that will expand Tennessee's DNA registry. Right now, the registry only includes convicted felons. The Berrys want those convicted of violent crimes on the registry too.

"We feel like the person who murdered Johnia is, you know, he's probably committed crimes before," said Johnia's mother, Joan Berry. "If the database had been just a little bit more updated then the chances of finding who did this would have been greater."

The new legislation has been red-flagged by Governor Bredesen because of the cost. But Berry's family hopes their petition will change that.