ELIZABETHTON, TN – In Elizabethton, Tennessee, a high school sociology class took on a unique project in 2018 that would ultimately lead to cracking a decades-old serial killer case. What started as a simple idea from teacher Alex Campbell turned into a groundbreaking investigation that shed light on a series of unsolved murders of red-headed women. With a semester dedicated solely to this task, the class of high school students went above and beyond, exceeding all expectations.

The class’s hard work paid off when they were able to identify six victims who had previously been unidentified. Through their research and dedication, they were able to connect the dots and indict trucker Jerry Johns for one of the murders, that of Tina Farmer. With compelling evidence, the class believes they have enough to indict Johns for another murder, that of Greene County victim Elizabeth Lamotte. Their findings were based on similarities in the cases, including the victims’ M.O., signature, time frame, and geography.

Not only did the class successfully identify victims and connect them to the same perpetrator, but they also unearthed the only known surviving victim of the Bible Belt Strangler – Linda Schacke. Schacke’s chilling story, shared on the class’s podcast “Murder 101,” provided crucial insights into Johns’ methods and ultimately led to his conviction for kidnapping and attempted murder, resulting in a 73-year prison sentence. The teacher, Mr. Campbell, commended his students for their dedication and engagement in the project, emphasizing the importance of deep learning and understanding.

The Tennessee state legislature recognized the class’s outstanding work with a proclamation, highlighting their contribution to solving these cold cases. Despite not receiving public credit from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the class’s impact is undeniable. By making decades-old murders relevant again and bringing closure to families, the students and their teacher proved that passion and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements.

This remarkable story from Elizabethton, Tennessee, serves as a testament to the power of education and dedication in unraveling mysteries and seeking justice. Through their meticulous research and unwavering determination, a group of high school students managed to uncover the truth behind a series of heinous crimes, leaving a lasting impact on their community and beyond.