Killer caught in local girl's hit-and-run murder
A four-month search for the driver who struck and killed local Army specialist Alyssa Clinger of Pace, Florida ended in October with the arrest of two men suspected of the crime.
After months of public pressure, including social media pleas by activist and Congressional candidate Rebekah Jones, Crime Stoppers of El Paso featured the crime in late August 2022.
FROM ALYSSA CLINGER'S OBITUARY
Alyssa Rae Clinger was born September 25, 2001, to Terold and Tiffany Johns in Pensacola, Florida. Alyssa was a smart, strong young lady. She loved music and singing. She shared her gift as Music Director at Free Spirit Ministries. Her favorite song was "Take Me to the King."
She was educated through the Santa Rosa County School System and a proud 2019 graduate of Pace High School. Alyssa was active as a youth. She was a cheerleader and youth league basketball player (under Coach Sam) before joining the Pace Patriots while attending high school.
Alyssa had a plan for after graduation. Her plan detailed enlisting with the U.S. Navy but swiftly changed her mind and made the decision to join the U.S. Army. At the young age of 17 Alyssa became a Soldier. Her first duty station was in Korea. Alyssa served faithfully for three years until on June 13, 2022, the Lord released her from all pain and suffering and called her to her new home in Heaven.
During her three years of service, she earned the rank of Specialist (E-4), the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Army Commendation Medal. She completed the Combat Life-Savers Class and fired "Expert" on the M4A1. She was stationed in El Paso Texas where she served with the 4th Air Defense Artillery Battery.
Alyssa was preceded in death by her mother, Tiffany Clinger Johns; grandmother, Robin Nelson; and uncle, Rayshion Johns.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her wife, Kiara Clinger; her father, Terold Johns Sr.; grandmother, Sammie Williams; grandfather, James Clinger; siblings, Travon Johns, Terold Johns Jr., Nehemiah Johns, Ashlynn Johns, Tamia Johns and Keithan Johns; uncles, Leo Johns, Samuel Johns, Fred Longmire, Michael(Taylor)Clinger, Anthony Carnes, Jim Clinger and John King; aunts, Katrina(Monya)Thomas, Dana Brown, Michelle Flowers and Stephanie Lipscomb; best friend and cousin, Mia Johns; along with a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.