Sister-in-law of Mishawaka shooting victim's asks for help from the community
MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Right now the family of a Mishawaka couple is reeling. Police say Matt and Lisa Clippenger were killed in their 11th Street home Saturday afternoon.
Police say Matt’s brother, Steven Clippenger pulled the trigger, while Steven’s girlfriend, Jennifer Leveque helped with the crime.
The victim’s children just twelve and twenty years old told police they even watched their uncle kill their mother as she ran down their hallway trying to get away from the bullets that were being fired off.
The Clippenger’s sister-in-law talked exclusively to ABC 57’s Jessie McDonough.
“Dreams shattered”, said the Clippenger’s sister-in-law Chris Clippenger.
It is hard for Chris Clippenger to talk about her brother-in-law and sister-in-law’s murder without getting choked up.
“They just had the perfect little family…two kids..a house..a dog”, said Chris Clippenger.
But she says her pain is nothing compared to her niece and nephew, 12-year-old Shelby and 20-year-old Dylan.
The kids told police they saw their uncle, Steven Clippenger, chase their mother Lisa and shoot her in the hallway of their home.
“We all are hurting, but those kids are you know devastated”, said Chris Clippenger.
She says the family tried for years to help Steven. He was released from jail just two years ago for another murder.
“No matter how hard you try, some people you just can’t help”, said Chris Clippenger.
But she says after this horrific crime, they are done.
“My honestly doesn’t consider Steve his brother anymore after what happened”, said Chris Clippenger.
She says instead they will be supporting their niece and nephew in their time of need.
“We are going to get them some counseling of course”, said Chris Clippenger.
Now she is asking the community to give their support through a special fund for Shelby and Dylan.
“I know it is a lot to ask during these hard times, but you know even a dollar or two would help”, said Chris Clippenger.
If you would like to donate to the fund for Shelby and Dylan Clippenger you can go to any teacher’s union and ask for the Clippenger kids’ fund.
Chris Clippenger’s best friend Jill Chamberlain is also doing a fundraiser selling purses and candles. Proceeds also go to the Clippenger kid’s fund.
https://jillchamberlain.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home or https://jillchamberlain.miche.com/Home .
Chris Clippenger’s best friend is also doing a fundraiser selling purses and candles. Proceeds also go to the Clippenger kid’s fund.