The Clewiston High School head cheer coach spoke exclusively to NBC2 after the Hendry County Sheriff's Office said a stray bullet killed one of her cheerleaders in a shootout Friday night.
Sixteen-year-old Ja'yhanna Johnson's family says she was celebrating her cheer teammate's 18th birthday at Harlem Tenants Circle Friday when it happened. Hendry County deputies said they found Ja'Yhanna Johnson unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Marissa Johnson, her coach, said when she got the text that one of her cheerleaders had been shot, she thought she was dreaming.
"I couldn't really believe it at the time," she said. "This is reality. This just happened. I don't know, I guess I'm still kind of in shock of the whole situation, and that this is the reality of the world that we live in right now."
Marissa said she loved mentoring Ja'yhanna.
"She's such a good person and, all around, just good student-athlete," Marissa said. "There was never an issue with her in school, she loved cheer, and most importantly, she just loved people. As a coach, you build relationships with these girls and give them that that trust. It's sad that we're not going to have those talks anymore."
Marissa said they were supposed to have a football game the night she was killed, but it was canceled because of Hurricane Milton.
"Just thinking that it didn't, and the hurricane stopped a football game that could have stopped a tragedy," she said. "I think that's what breaks my heart the most. This could have been avoided, you know?"
Marissa said the whole team is deeply hurt, and this will be a healing process for them.
"This is our time to step up for her now that she's not here," she said. "Just prove that we can come together as a community and as a cheer squad."
Her family is in so much pain, too.
"The pain I'm feeling right now, you can't explain," said her father, Peter Johnson. "At times, I feel like I'm having a heart attack."
Investigators are still trying to find the person who fired into the building during the party.
Ja'yhanna's family said they want justice.
The Hendry County School District released the following statement:
"The Hendry County School District is saddened by the events of the weekend. Our prayers are surrounding and lifting up Ja'Yhanna Johnson's family, friends, and the community. Beginning Monday morning, we began providing Mental Health support, grief counseling, and faith-based services through our team’s community leaders for any student who needs such support and services. We will continue providing this support as long as necessary. Our hearts are broken with this loss and we will serve our Clewiston community in this time of need."
If you know anything, contact the Hendry County Sheriff's Office at (863) 674-5600. Remember, you can remain anonymous. Any tip helps.
Clewiston High School's Cougars will honor Ja'yhanna during their Friday night's football game at 7:30 p.m. Marissa said this is the first football game back since the incident.