Family fights to keep memorial

POSTED: Saturday, November 7, 2009 - 10:08pm
UPDATED: Thursday, April 8, 2010 - 3:56am
OVERTON-Last June Justin Wayne Clinton, 10, was brutally attacked and killed by two pit bulls off of County Road 133 near Overton. A small memorial was set up in the place where young Justin lost his life. That was until Saturday after the owners of the pit bull demanded the family to take it down.
Its been only five months since Justin Clinton was mauled to death by pit bulls. He took his last break in a vacant lot owned by the pit bulls owners, Ricky and Christi George.
Shortly after young Justin was laid to rest and the pit bulls euthanized, Justin's classmates put together a small memorial in the spot where he was attacked.
For months family and friends say they paid a visit to the memorial almost daily.
That was until Saturday because the George's demanded the make-shift memorial be removed from their property.
"They said there were too many people out here visiting it and it disturbed them," Justin's mom, Serenia Clinton, said.
Justin's mom, family, friends and Justin's classmates watched Saturday in silence as the memorial was hauled off in the back of a pick up.
"It brings it up all over again, this is where he died," Mrs. Clinton said.
The George's looked on from a distance, demanding people leave immediately.
But those who came out in honor of Justin said they will do what it takes to make sure the memorial is put back up.
"I'm a mother and I can do that," Mrs. Clinton said.
Though the memorial may have disappeared, those who remember Justin said his memory never will.
Kasey Scott, 10, said she misses him everyday and even shared a poem she wrote in honor of her classmate.
"I had a friend and his name was Justin Clinton," Scott said as she read her poem. "He was a real kind and loving boy and that was something I liked about him. I will always love you and you will always be in my heart."
Justin's family told KETK they're trying to pass legislation that they hope will bring attention for the need for responsible dog owners.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled in Justin's honor on November 17th at 7 p.m. at the Leveritt's Chapel School just outside of Overton. Justin's family said anyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
Comments News Comments
HAS IT OCCURED TO ANYONE THAT THIS FAMILY OF JUSTINS OWNED 2 PITBULLS OF THEIR OWN? THEY DID NOT HAVE THEM IN A FENCE THEY WERE RUNNING LOOSE. YOU COULD NOT PULL DOWN THEIR DRIVE WITHOUT THESE DOGS TRYING TO EAT YOUR TIRES OFF YOUR VEHICLE. THEY ALSO HAVE TRAPPED A LITTLE ELDERLY LADY INSIDE HER OWN HOME AND WOULD NOT LET HER OUT. SHE THREATENED TO SHOOT THE DOGS & SERINA THREW A FIT IN THE WOMANS YARD.
SEEMS TO ME THIS A CASE OF THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK.
BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN JUSTIN DIED WITHIN A MATTER OF DAYS THESE PITBULLS WERE DONE AWAY WITH AND A FENCE PUT UP.
ALOT OF INOCENT DOGS LOST THEIR LIVES WHEN ALL THIS HAPPENED. EVERYONE FREAKED OUT AND EUTHANIZED THE POOR INNOCENT DOGS.
im justins friend and class mate and i really miss justin he was a great friend and ill have to wait till i get in heaven to c him now.:< sad huh?i love justin so much and no matter what happend or what has been said you know ill always love you!
THIS WAS NOT INTENDED TO HURT ANYONE. JUSTIN DID NOT DIE WHERE THE MEMORIAL WAS. HE WAS NOT EVEN ATTACKED WHERE THE MEMORIAL WAS. HE WAS ATTACKED RIGHT BESIDE THE FRONT GATE. HE DIED ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL. HAS EVERYONE FORGOT THAT JUSTIN WAS BRADY'S FRIEND? THAT JUSTIN WAS @ MY HOUSE AS MUCH AS BRADY WAS AT THEIRS? HAS ANYONE STOPPED TO THINK THE HURT & DISTRAUGHT MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN TROUGH? WE NEED PEACE AT OUR HOME. WE HAVE TO LIVE HERE. WE LOVED JUSTIN TOO. WE WOULD HAVE NEVER WANTED THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE.
WE ARE NOT HEARTLESS PEOPLE. WE CARE ABOUT YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. OUR HEART GOES OUT TO EACH & EVERYONE OF YOU. ESPECIALLY THE MOTHER. I PERSONALLY COULD NOT IMAGIANE WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH & I AM DEEPLY SORRY. BUT, YOU HAVE TO STOP & REALIZE THE FACTS IN THIS THAT I TRULY BELIEVE YOU HAVE NO IDEA. A TRAGEDY LIKE THIS SHOULD BRING OUR TWO FAMILY'S TOGETHER NOT TEAR APART. WE DIDN'T DO IT. SENSELESS DOGS DID IT.
i am family of the georges. this family was daily coming to this memorial not to mourn but to stand on the georges property and cursing at them while they set quietly in their yard. they gualk & point and yell.
the georges are distraught over the accident & just simply cant take anymore of the family's abuse.
the truth is the georges had little part in the clintons having to move this memorial.
it was on county property as well as george property so the county demanded because of the liabilty to the county it be removed.
the georges property is not where he took his last breath. he died on his way to the hospital.
havent these people got any morals?
i am one of justins friends and i have been up to the memoramals while someone from justins family was there and they didnt talk or say a word to the georges.some say that the georges are heartless people but the family of the georges disagree.but what i have to say to the georges is "nobody disturbed yall nor cursed at yall.justin and his family and friends did nothing to have yall move this memoramal.theres probaly more decorations then most on the side of the road but thats only because justin has lots of ppl who loved him and still do.we did nothing to yall why would you do this to this family?why?"i love justin and nobody should have a reason not to!!!!!so note to the georges yall dont even know how many ppl you hurt.
FROM:kasey alley scott












