Two alleged gang members in Georgia have been charged with the murder of Brianna Long, a former high school soccer star who was killed by a stray bullet while closing up at a bar more than a year ago. Tsion Clayton, 23, and Kimone Green, 21, were identified as the suspects in Long’s death and charged with one count of malice murder. The suspects were already in custody for unrelated cases when the investigators issued arrest warrants for them. One suspect is being held in Georgia while the other is in Florida.
The incident occurred at The Pier in Remerton while Long was closing up the bar with a male co-worker. A fight outside the bar led to gunfire, and Long was struck by a stray bullet inside the bar. She was taken to South Georgia Medical Center but later died from her injuries. Her co-worker was also injured but survived. The shooting also resulted in stray bullets striking several vehicles outside the bar. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the incident shortly after Long was killed.
Authorities believe that the two alleged killers were in the area looking for someone related to an ongoing gang dispute when the shooting occurred. Additional charges are expected to be filed as the case progresses. Long, a Valdosta State University student and former standout soccer player, was set to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene before she was killed. Following the arrests, Long’s mother, Brandi Spinks, thanked supporters and asked for prayers as the family navigates through the difficult time.
Spinks described her daughter as their world and highlighted Long’s achievements and kind-hearted nature. She expressed the family’s desire for justice and closure, questioning why her daughter was taken away and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable. In response to the tragedy, Spinks launched the “Brianna Long Foundation” to memorialize her daughter and continue her legacy. The foundation is dedicated to promoting dental care initiatives and providing dental services to underserved communities, aiming to make a positive impact one smile at a time.
The “Brianna Long Foundation” is focused on carrying on Long’s legacy and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to smile confidently and live life to the fullest. Spinks and her family are working tirelessly to honor Brianna’s memory and make a difference in the community through the foundation’s charitable efforts. Long’s tragic death has left a lasting impact on her loved ones, who are committed to ensuring that her legacy lives on through their philanthropic endeavors. The family continues to seek justice for Brianna while also spreading awareness about the importance of dental care and access to services for those in need.
