An open statement from friends of Jr:

The suicide death of Gregory Johnson Jr was tragic, and his passing was traumatic for the Johnson Family, the community of San Jose State University, the members of the Epsilon Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi, the Sigma Chi International Fraternity, and the San Jose State Greek Community.  Junior was beloved by every member of his chapter and their respective families. It was not uncommon for Junior to join his chapter brothers at their homes for dinners, holiday breaks, and weekend visits.  The members of his chapter viewed Junior as family…and we miss him dearly. 

Despite misleading and inaccurate allegations made in the wake of his death about his fraternal organization, its members, and his host institution…we continue to offer our sympathies and prayers for Junior’s family. In Junior’s memory we have chosen, and continue to choose, to not react to inflammatory rhetoric and actions levied against us in a negative way.  This is not what Junior would have wanted, and we choose to focus on the happiness he brought to our lives in the time he was with us.

That being said, recent actions and statements led by the Johnson family and student and activist groups on social media platforms about specific alumni members of his fraternity and alumni of San Jose State University not affiliated with his fraternity are misleading and inaccurate, and demand a response.  In the interest of privacy, integrity, and appropriateness the friends of Junior will respond to these allegations using only the information we know directly and can be supported by documentation in the public domain. Out of respect for Junior, his family, and his memory, we will not comment or speculate on the reasons why he decided to take his own life. 

Tragically, suicide is the second most common cause of death among college students and studies reveal those statistics tend to grow disproportionately in students of color.  Suicide and the factors behind it are complex, deeply personal, and often are not obvious or evident.  In hindsight it may be possible to see the pattern, but sadly there are no easy answers for those left behind…only pain, doubt, sadness, and gut-wrenching questions like “why didn’t I see this coming?” and “could I have done more?”.  These are the tragic results of November 22nd, 2008…so many questions…and so very few answers as to why.    

There are, however, details we know to be true and factual.  Through this information collected we want one thing to be made clear…no one from or affiliated with the Sigma Chi Fraternity, in any way, shape, or form, directly or indirectly, contributed to Junior’s death.  Allegations that members of Sigma Chi and other San Jose State alumni were involved are inaccurate, misguided, and not supported by any evidence.  We love Junior…and not only are those who knew him best still scarred from the events 12 years ago…but now people without direct information or evidence are harassing and purposely causing harm to them, their families, and careers.    

If there is to be Justice for Gregory…we ask that you look at the facts and evidence.   

  -   Friends of Gregory Johnson Jr.

Independent Media:

The two YouTube video reports on Junior’s death below were authored and developed by Vicente Vera, former Daily Spartan News Editor and recent San Jose State Alumni. Mr. Vera independently examined the facts, public record, social media posts, and news reports. We feel his reports captures the intention and content of what is contained in the https://peaceforgregoryjohnsonjr.com/ website. The author has no affiliation or connection with the Sigma Chi Fraternity or associates. The Friends of Gregory Johnson Jr. appreciates Mr. Vera’s thorough, unbiased, and fact-based reporting.