A STRIPPER has been fired from her job after lying about being the cousin of the 14-year-old who tragically died at ICON Park.
Shay Johnson, the woman who had been speaking to media outlets claiming to be Tyre Sampson’s cousin, does not appear to be related to the boy.
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Sampson’s family has spoken out, telling officials they don’t know Johnson, whose real name is Lewishena Lavonia Browning.
The 32-year-old woman has been outspoken since the March 24 incident, telling media outlets she spoke to Sampson just before his death.
Browning also allegedly started a petition to get the Orlando Free Fall ride shut down. The paper petition, which Browning was apparently having people sign at the park, garnered hundreds of signatures.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that detectives had “looked into” Johnson.
They also spoke to Tyre’s mother, Nekia Dodd, who told them “she does not know who Shay Johnson is,” agency spokesperson Michelle Guido told the Orlando Sentinel.
There is no evidence that any crimes were committed, the sheriff’s office said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to The US Sun’s request for comment late Friday.
Browning also appears to have deleted her social media presence. But news of her alias has spread.
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In particular, one woman, Destiney Allen, shared her experience with Browning on Facebook after attending a vigil at ICON Park. She said it was a “perfect” event and that Browning was “so emotional” and had “everybody in tears.”
The next day though, Allen reportedly received a phone call from a cousin who knew “Shay” on a personal level, calling her “delusional” and an “attention seeker.”
Through her non-profit organization, Building Generations of Hope, Allen was able to also confirm with Sampson’s mother that Browning is not a family member.
“I can’t believe someone would use a horrible tragedy like this for their own personal reasons,” Allen wrote.
“This is sickening and she needs to be charged!! So many people have given her money.”
RAP SHEET
Browning reportedly has a history of giving the wrong name and hiding behind the alias of Shay Johnson.
In 2020 during an arrest, Browning allegedly gave a deputy a false name and ID.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Browning has been in jail in Orange County at least four times since 2014.
Previous charges include domestic violence, driving with a suspended or revoked license, felony arson, and criminal mischief.
She was most recently arrested in December and released on bond, the Sentinel reported.
That arrest came after she allegedly set her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend’s car on fire, damaging six other cars as well.
In court paperwork relating to that incident, Shay Johnson was listed as an alias for Browning by her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend.
FIRED FROM DANCE CLUB
Until this week, Browning worked at Flash Dancers, an adult entertainment club in Orlando.
Owner William Sierer said Browning worked there for five years, but that she was fired after he learned of the incident, telling the Orlando Sentinel her actions were “unconscionable.”
He also noted that Browning goes by Shay at the club. However, the club does have the name Lewishena Browning on file.
A statement on the club’s Instagram account reads: “We have separated our selfs from this individual that goes by multiple names she’s no longer welcomed here.”
The club threw a bash on April 1 that was Browning-themed.
“Bye Bye Candy Red/Shay Johnson or Whatever Your Name is,” states a flyer for the party, posted to the club’s Instagram.
The investigation into Sampson’s death is ongoing.
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