JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — An episode of ABC’s “20/20” will be airing at 9 p.m. this Friday, focusing on the tragic murder of 21-year-old Johnia Berry and detailing her mother’s relentless quest to uncover her daughter’s killer.

In 2004, Johnia Berry relocated to Knoxville to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, having been on the verge of earning an honors degree from East Tennessee State University.

On Dec. 6, around 4 a.m., a stranger entered Johnia’s apartment in an attempt to steal her car keys.

With no success in finding keys, the stranger then entered Johnia’s bedroom and brutally stabbed her multiple times.

Johnia’s mother, Joan, talked with News Channel 11 ahead of the “20/20” episode release.

“The episode will showcase Johnia’s life,” Joan Berry expressed. “It highlights her ambition, her dedication, and her compassion for others. She had a deep love for people and always wanted to help those around her.”

Joan Berry said she did not know who would want to hurt her daughter.

“Johnia’s death, Johnia’s murder, was torture anyway,” she said. “And it’s something that’s always changed our lives. And my life will never be the same. But to wake up every morning for two years and ten months and wonder what happened to your daughter when she didn’t have any enemies?”

The show will explore how state laws obstructed the search for Johnia’s murderer.

“Tennessee did not take DNA if you were arrested for a violent crime at the time Johnia was murdered,” Joan Berry said. “I hope that other states, maybe, you know, people that live in other states, will maybe check into it and see [if] their state has a DNA law.”

On Sept. 24, 2007, a few months after the new law passed, an arrest was made in connection with Johnia’s murder.

Joan Berry said that while the arrest did bring closure, their lives would never be the same.

“There’s always other things, and there’s never really closure because your life is never the same. Our life is forever changed,” Joan Berry said. “Vacations are not the same. Holidays are not the same.”

“I think Johnia would be glad that her story is being told, and that if it saves one life, then it’s worth it,” Joan Berry said.

Each year, Joan Berry continues to honor Johnia’s memory each Christmas season by hosting the annual “Johnia Berry Toy Drive.”

ABC’s “20/20” special on Johnia Berry will air on ABC Tri-Cities at 9 p.m. Friday.