Daughter’s Unyielding Quest for Justice 55 Years After Father’s Mysterious Death in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.

In a city filled with history and charm, there’s a deeply personal story of heartache and a relentless quest for justice that continues to unfold, even after more than five decades. Meet Donna Fawver, a daughter who still fights for answers surrounding her father’s tragic death, which occurred on a fateful day in September of 1969. After all these years, one thing remains clear: the pain of losing a loved one in such a sudden manner never truly goes away.

The Day Everything Changed

Donna was just 21 years old and eight months pregnant when her life was turned upside down. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” she said softly. “My mother had gone to the doctor with me, and we were trying to piece things together when we noticed something odd.” What was supposed to be an ordinary day quickly transformed into a nightmare when they discovered six helicopters circling the area.

It was 1969, and as the Knoxville Police responded to a distress call at Mead’s Quarry, the severity of the situation began to unfold. The call reported a **burned car** and the devastating news that two men had been found inside, burned beyond recognition. One of those men was Donna’s father, Hubert Johnson, aged 45. The other victim was Murel Marie, 61. It was a moment that would change Donna’s life forever.

A Night Out Gone Awry

According to reports, both men had last been seen together around 11:30 p.m. leaving Bunch’s Tavern on Gay Street and heading toward the North Gay Café. But what happened between their last known whereabouts and the tragic discovery at Mead’s Quarry remains a mystery. “Between Bunch’s and North Gay Cafe, we just don’t know what happened,” Donna lamented, her voice filled with emotion.

While investigators confirmed that Marie died from a **gunshot wound**, the cause of Johnson’s death remains unknown. The lack of answers surrounding Hubert’s death left a hole in Donna’s heart—a hole that only grew larger when her mother, Mary, passed away in 2014 after battling bladder cancer. Mary, despite her illness, had vowed to keep searching for answers. “I know I’m sick, but I don’t want to leave here until I find out something about your dad,” Donna recalled her mother saying. “I promised her I wouldn’t give up.”

A Daughter’s Promise

Now, 55 years later, Donna is honoring that promise. She continues her fight to find justice for her father. With a stoic determination, she stated, “My message to the person responsible is simple: I just want to meet you. I want to talk and ask why this happened.” It’s a deeply personal plea that echoes through the decades, infused with the love of a devoted daughter still seeking closure.

A Call to the Community

While time may have dulled the edges of many memories, the search for justice continues unabated. The Knoxville Police have reported that there have been no new developments in Hubert Johnson’s case. However, any assistance from the community could shine a light on this cold case. If anyone has information that could aid the investigation, they are urged to reach out to the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.

As this story unfolds, it serves as a haunting reminder of a life cut short and a family yearning for answers. Donna Fawver’s fight is one not just for her father but also for every family member who has felt the sting of losing a loved one under mysterious and tragic circumstances.