‘Big-hearted and always quick with a smile’: Friends and family remember slain prison officer as humble and full of promise

Friends and family of 22-year-old prison officer Ashantino Johnson, who was killed in a brawl early Wednesday morning, say they are heartbroken and in disbelief. Many described him as a humble, respectful young man with a bright future ahead of him.

“He was such a humble officer with a bright future ahead of him,” wrote friend Myzz Lovely Deleveaux in a social media post.

Johnson was one of three people stabbed during an altercation at a popular pub on Blue Hill Road North. He later died from his injuries.

Originally from North Eleuthera, Johnson previously served as a Ranger Cadet with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force before joining the Bahamas Department of Corrections.

One of his former coordinators, Tevin McPhee, remembered Johnson as a standout cadet.

“He was my ranger–quietly respectful, big-hearted and always quick with a smile that could light up the parade,” McPhee said.

“I used to joke, ‘I don’t like people taller than me.’ He’d bend his knees just to make me laugh. He was thoughtful, playful and full of love for people around him.”

Johnson had recently graduated as a corrections officer and was excited about his future on the job.

Coworkers also shared their grief online. One said she last saw him marching proudly in the color party at the Department’s annual church service on Sunday.

“This is truly tragic,” she said.

His mother, Marie Cash, wept over her son’s death.

“My baby, look at my baby. Mommy loves you, Clevy,” she cried. “They took my baby, oh Jesus.”

His cousin, Ezranique Cash, said, “This world was too evil for the kind heart you had.”

Another colleague remembered him as dedicated and dependable.

“Always willing to step forward for any duty or task, very mannerly and loving,” the coworker said. “You weren’t just my teammate, you were like a little brother.”

Friend Edward Pratt recalled their last conversation.

“You had so many plans ahead of you. My last words to you were, ‘Stay focused and keep your head up.’”

His sister, Chante Johnson, shared her heartbreak on social media.

“Y’all killed my baby. 2025 hasn’t even finished yet. I can’t catch myself,” she wrote.

Another friend, Sheila Thompson, added, “You deserved so much better. This was the biggest heartbreak of the year.”

Johnson’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes, as loved ones remember a young man whose life was filled with promise and cut tragically short.