The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and the Eleuthera community gathered in profound grief on Friday to honor the life of Ashantio ‘Clevorn’ Johnson, a 23-year-old trainee correctional officer whose promising career was tragically cut short by fatal stabbing last month. The emotional funeral service at a local church saw uniformed officers and mourners dressed in green and gold filling the sanctuary to capacity, creating a somber atmosphere of collective mourning.
Johnson’s mother became the embodiment of parental anguish as she kissed her son’s face in the casket, initially maintaining composure before collapsing into raw grief, crying out his name and calling upon God for strength. Her heart-wrenching cries of ‘Look at my baby’ and ‘Oh Clevorn, why do this to mummy?’ echoed through the church, moving many attendees to tears.
The service revealed Johnson’s remarkable character through heartfelt tributes from loved ones. A female cousin remembered him as more than family—a protective brother who made women feel safe and provided unconditional love. Chief Corrections Officer Zhavonne Mackey, whom Johnson affectionately called ‘Paps,’ delivered a particularly moving recollection of their father-son-like bond developed during training. He described Johnson as exceptionally calm-spirited, never raising his voice even when corrected, and instead responding with smiles and thoughtful comments.
Prison Commissioner Doan Clear highlighted Johnson’s early legacy, noting his voluntary decision to ‘go on the battlefield’ and his recruitment as one of only two qualified candidates from Eleuthera. Classmates from North Eleuthera High School’s Class of 2020 remembered him as unforgettable—filled with humor, joy, and infectious energy.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of November 5 on Baillou Hill North, where Johnson was fatally stabbed and two of his squad mates were injured during a violent altercation at Blu Ice Restaurant & Bar. The incident happened mere months after Johnson’s proud father witnessed his graduation from the correctional services training program. Twenty-one-year-old Michael Petty has been remanded to prison facing charges connected to Johnson’s death and the attempted killings of Perry Butler and Gregory Bullard.
At the graveside, grief intensified as mourners knelt by the casket, some hyperventilating, while Johnson’s body was lowered into the ground. Through the pain, Mackey urged Johnson’s fellow trainees to honor his memory through peace, not revenge, remembering that ‘God does not make mistakes’ even in profound tragedy.