Shay Johnson Tyre Sampson’s ‘cousin’: Tyre Sampson died in Orlando after falling from an ICON park ride, and a woman claiming to be his cousin has no ties to his family.
Since the 14-year-death old’s on March 24, Shay Johnson has reportedly been rallying for justice and demanding the dismantling of the Free Fall attraction. However, it has since been determined that the 32-year-old has “no ties” to his family.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, detectives talked with Sampson’s mother, who told them she “doesn’t know who Shay Johnson is.” Lavonia Browning was the woman’s real name, and she worked for the adult entertainment club Flash Dancers in Orlando. Under the pretence of aiding the bereaved family, she allegedly gathered money as a donation from people.
Shay Johnson Tyre Sampson’s ‘cousin’
During a vigil for Sampson, a woman named Destiney Allen posted on Facebook about her encounter with Browning. “I didn’t meet Shay Johnson until the day of the Vigil,” she wrote. Michelle and I arrived for the event at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Shay Johnson was there by himself, accompanied by another man, an older lady, and a young adolescent girl. We exchanged greetings, and she introduced herself as Tyre’s cousin. The Vigil went off without a hitch!!! Many people showed up to express their love and support. I never had the impression that Shay wasn’t related to me. Everyone was in tears because she was so emotional.”
But then Allen “had a call from my cousin, who said she wasn’t phoning to start anything, but she knew Shay personally.” She claimed that Shay is deluded and an attention seeker, and that she does not come from a wealthy family. I was completely taken aback! I wasn’t sure how I felt. I told her I was going to make some phone calls and do some research. I dialled Mandy’s number. The one who introduced me to Shay Johnson and inquired about how she knew Shay was linked to the family…. Have you talked to Tyre’s mother? Do you know where Tyre’s mother is? She added that she has always inquired about Tyre’s mother, but Shay has always responded that Tyre’s mother is ill and that this is too much for her. Michelle, Mandy, and I began a thorough investigation.”
Unmasked as Fraud With ‘No Ties’ To His Family
“We phoned news stations,” she said, “who were still sharing her side of the story as a heartbroken relative.” No one knew what to say. Mandy contacted a family member, who informed her that Shay was not a member of the family. Our non-profit then contacted Tyre’s mother, who confirmed that she is not the family’s firstborn on either side. I can’t even begin to describe the pain I’m experiencing right now. This feels like a scene from a film. I can’t believe someone would take advantage of such a terrible tragedy for their own personal gain. This is heinous, and she must be prosecuted!! So many people have donated money to her.”
Browning also has a long criminal past, according to the Orlando Sentinel. She “has been incarcerated at least four times in Orange County, including on allegations of domestic violence and driving with a suspended or revoked licence,” according to the report. She offered a deputy who pulled her over a phoney identity and ID during an arrest in April 2020.”
According to court records, the lady “is presently awaiting trial on felony arson and criminal mischief charges, accused of setting a car on fire in August,” as reported by the Orlando Sentinel. She was detained and released on bond in December.”
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