A Manning police officer was fired Wednesday, Oct. 21, amid an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division involving his son, who is charged with killing two men during an alleged armed robbery in Sumter County earlier this month.
Manning Police Chief Sean Briley confirmed the termination of Officer Alexander Dukes in a statement provided to The Manning Times.
“Upon being notified of the investigation by outside law enforcement agencies, the City of Manning Police Department immediately placed Officer Dukes on administrative leave pending further investigation,” Briley said. “After receiving additional information from the investigating agency, the department terminated the officer’s employment.”
Dukes is the father of Antwone Dukes, who faces two counts of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the Oct. 6 shooting deaths of Keywaun Clark, 20, and Derek Parson, 19, at a Dollar General on Race Track Road in Sumter County.
According to South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy records obtained by WIS, Alexander Dukes was suspended Oct. 8 as investigators examined his actions following the shooting.
The records indicate Antwone Dukes drove himself and Parson, who had also been shot, to his father's home after the incident. Alexander Dukes allegedly applied a tourniquet to his son's injured leg and instructed him to go to the hospital but did not call 911, report the shooting or request emergency medical assistance.
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office initially provided a different account of what happened after the shooting. During an Oct. 8 news conference, Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner said Antwone Dukes' brother drove him to the hospital, while how Parson arrived at the hospital remained under investigation.
The academy filings also describe text messages suggesting Alexander Dukes had previously shared information about law enforcement activity with his children, including roadblocks and traffic stops.
The records reference a failed polygraph examination and an ongoing SLED investigation into possible misconduct in office. They also raise concerns that Dukes' actions may have interfered with the criminal investigation and potentially delayed medical treatment for Parson.
Alexander Dukes had not been criminally charged as of Oct. 23.
Academy records indicate he previously worked for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office for nearly 15 years before being terminated in 2010. He joined the Manning Police Department approximately five months later.
The investigation stems from an alleged armed robbery involving illegal firearm conversion devices commonly known as gun switches, which can convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.
During the Oct. 8 news conference, Gardner said investigators believe Antwone Dukes arranged to meet Clark behind the Dollar General with the intention of robbing him of the devices.
Authorities allege Dukes shot both Clark and Parson during the encounter. Dukes also suffered a gunshot wound to his leg.
Clark was discovered after a passerby reported a vehicle that had crashed into a tree near the business. Investigators determined Clark had been shot while inside the vehicle, which subsequently rolled into the tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Parson was taken to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Antwone Dukes was arrested Oct. 7 and subsequently denied bond.
Briley did not elaborate on the specific findings that prompted the termination but emphasized the department's commitment to accountability.
“The Manning Police Department remains committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Manning with integrity, accountability, and professionalism,” Briley said.
The SLED investigation remains ongoing.
