*Updated story to include that the fourth suspect, Demadre Isaiah Dennis, 21, of Manning, is now in custody. He turned himself in after the press conference.
On June 4, 2022, at approximately 11:05 p.m., Clarendon County 911 Dispatch received multiple calls of a drive-by shooting incident at 4193 St. Paul Road in the Summerton area of Clarendon where a graduation party was being held. Clarendon County Deputies responded to the scene and upon arrival discovered that several victims had been shot. It was first reported that there were 8 victims on the scene. All of those victims were transported to Mcleod Health Clarendon, and some were transferred from there to other trauma centers. The 8 victims were as follows, one 12-year-old, one 13-year-old, one 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds, one 17-year-old, one 32-year-old and one 36-year-old.
The 32-year-old, a female by the name of Adrionna “Tu Tu” Kind died Sunday morning, June 5, from her injuries.
On Monday, June 6, another 17-year-old victim came forward with a gunshot wound from the incident on June 4, 2022. This victim was treated and released. The victim stated that they were scared to come forward the night of the incident because they were not supposed to be at the party.
This now brought the number of victims in this incident to 9. All of the other victims have been released from the hospitals.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined that all of the victims were hit by gunfire were standing in the front yard of the residence or near the roadway in the front yard when a car passed and opened fire into the crowd. It was estimated that there were approximately 150 or more people were at this party during the time of the shooting.
All of the victims and several attendees of the party were interviewed.
Investigators with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, SLED and an investigator from the Manning Police Department worked tirelessly every day, since this incident, to develop and follow up on leads to bring forward arrest on this incident.
Investigators worked together daily with Assistant Solicitors from the 3rd Judicial Circuit assigned to Clarendon County reviewing all leads and evidence pertaining to this incident.
“Today I want to announce the arrest of 3 individuals responsible for this shooting incident,” Sheriff Baxley said at his live press conference on Tuesday, June 21.
"Amontae Daevon Wright, an 18-year-old male from the Manning area of Clarendon County.
Jaheim Sylvester Billie, a 19-year-old male from the Alcolu area of Clarendon County.
Tyrese Amante Brunson, a 21-year-old male from the Manning area of Clarendon County.
We have warrants for another subject who has not been located as of yet. His name is Demadrae Isaiah Dennis, a 21-year-old male from the Manning area of Clarendon County. Dennis has been entered into the NCIC database and the US Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force is assisting as we speak in locating and arresting him," Baxley stated.
All subjects are charged with one count each of murder, 8 counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and one count each of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Upon conviction, the penalties are as follows:
Murder- 30 years to life in prison. Assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature - up to 20 years in prison. Possession of a weapon during a violent crime - 5 years to run consecutively with any other penalties.
“These arrests do not mean that this investigation is over. It will continue as more suspects may be identified and charged,” stated Sheriff Baxley.
Sheriff Baxley continued: "As stated when this incident occurred on June 4 we (the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office) believe this was a gang-related incident stemming from other incidents that may have taken place in the county. The FBI Gang task force was called in to assist with this case along with other gang-related incidents in Clarendon County. Their investigation will continue.
I would personally like to recognize and thank all agencies involved with assisting us on this case. They are as follows:
SLED Chief Mark Keel assigned Special Agent Kyle Radford to assist our investigators daily with this case.
3rd Judicial Circuit Solicitor Ernest “Chip” Finney provided Assistant Solicitors Darla Pierce and Phillip Little to assist officers daily with legal guidance.
Manning Police Department, Chief Keith Grice provided an investigator to assist our investigators.
Sumter Police Department, Chief Rusell Roark offered assistance and provided message boards to be used in the county requesting information and reward on the incident.
Lexington County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Jay Koon offered a Gang Officer to assist.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Danny Simon offered assistance.
Sumter Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Anthony Dennis provided information and Detention facility .
Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Leroy Ravenel offered assistance.
Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Duane Lewis offered assistance and Detention facility.
Florence County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff T. J. Joye offered assistance and Detention facility."
After Sheriff Baxley's press conference, Demadre Isaiah Dennis, 21 of Manning, also turned himself in and is in custody.
