9-year-old victim identified in Tifton death investigation

TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - A 9-year-old victim who was killed in Tifton has been identified, according to Melissa Carrol, Tift County deputy coroner.

Alazia Johnson, who goes by Ally, was identified as the victim.

GBI investigating death of Tifton 9-year-old

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said Johnson was found stabbed to death at Peterson Apartments on Tuesday. Her death is being investigated as a homicide, the GBI said.

Neighbors are upset and afraid... — Neighbors are upset and afraid...(WALB)

The GBI said her body was taken to Decatur for an autopsy. It could take 90-120 days for the results to come back, according to Carrol.

A mother speaks out

Tegina Brown, Ally’s mom, is a single mother.

Brown told WALB she was working when Ally was stabbed to death in their apartment.

“I have to work to support my kids. I had to go to work that night. And I just came home and found my baby,” she said.

Brown said she hopes the police can track down the person down, and justice is served for Ally.

Tegina Brown, Ally Johnson's mother. — Tegina Brown, Ally Johnson's mother.(WALB)

‘Her laugh was so fun’: A best friend speaks out

Harmanii Dixon said she and Ally were best friends.

“When we first met each other at school, on the playground, she used to play tag," Dixon said. "The funny part was when she laughed because her laugh was so fun.”

Harmanii Dixon, Ally Johnson's best friend. — Harmanii Dixon, Ally Johnson's best friend.(WALB)

Harmanii Dixon has worn Ally's dress since she learned of her best friend's death. — Harmanii Dixon has worn Ally's dress since she learned of her best friend's death.(WALB)

After Harmanii learned about Ally’s death, she put on Ally’s dress — and she hasn’t taken it off since.

The girls made many TikTok videos together as a way to bond and share their friendship with the world.

“She was funny when she was doing TikToks. There was one TikTok, it was her favorite TikTok, but I forgot it. But we made our own videos together. We were doing like a backbend challenge, and I won because at the end, she flipped me.”

Tifton community rallying together

The Tifton community is rallying around Harmanii, and Ally’s family, to try and get justice.

The Tifton community is rallying together for justice for Ally Johnson. — The Tifton community is rallying together for justice for Ally Johnson.(WALB)

Latoya Jackson is another single mom in the Tifton area.

She says she didn’t know the family personally, but as a mom, feels for Brown.

“This mom needs uplifting, she needs a shoulder, she needs support, she needs love. She doesn’t have a lot of family here. So, as a community, and being a mom, as well as having a daughter, or you being a woman, that’s enough to make you hold a sign, it’s enough to make you put your pride to the side and speak on justice for his baby, and that’s what drove me to come out here.”

GBI agents and investigators are asking for the public’s help in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Tip Line at (1-800) 597-8477 or the Tifton Police Department at (229) 382-3132.

This is a developing story and we will update as more information becomes available.

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