A tragic incident occurred in South Carolina, where a temporary foster placement tragically ended with the death of a 13-year-old boy. Investigators reported that two teens attacked him, ultimately holding him underwater leading to his demise.
The Augusta Press identified the victim as 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry. He had recently been placed in the residence of McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby while awaiting a more permanent foster placement. Reports indicate the suspects were also foster children living in the same home.
According to investigators, one of the teens, 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore, was charged with murder. Authorities believe he and a 16-year-old engaged in a conflict with Lowry during the early morning of July 20, resulting in knife wounds inflicted on Lowry before he was submerged underwater.
The confrontation allegedly transpired at a private boat dock located on Beauregard Drive in Modoc, South Carolina, as detailed in an arrest warrant from the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office.
The warrant claims that the teenagers acted with deliberate malice when they allegedly held Lowry underwater. The claims rested on both witness accounts and evidence gathered during the investigation.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reported charging Moore based on a request from the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. Moore was subsequently detained at the McCormick County Detention Center.
The 16-year-old allegedly involved in the incident was taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. SLED had not disclosed whether this juvenile faced any charges.
During the incident, Hamby was reportedly asleep inside the house. There is no indication that Hamby witnessed the event or was involved. Lowry’s body was found later in the lake.
Recently, Lowry was part of a missing child investigation in his hometown of Chester, South Carolina. On June 12, Chester Police had requested public assistance to locate him. He was found safe later that day.
Authorities have not established a link between Lowry’s previous disappearance and his subsequent death.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Lowry’s family illustrates the grief of his relatives. Lowry, described as energetic and charismatic, was remembered fondly by his loved ones.
McCormick County Sheriff Chad Cox classified this killing as a tragic loss for the community, expressing condolences to Lowry’s family and thanking all agencies involved in the case investigation.
SLED remains actively involved in the investigation. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will handle the prosecution.