A recent temporary foster placement in McCormick County, South Carolina ended in tragedy when two teenagers reportedly attacked and drowned a 13-year-old boy. The incident occurred at the residence of County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby.
According to The Augusta Press, 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry had been placed temporarily in Hamby’s home while awaiting another foster care placement. Investigators reported that two other teens, also foster children living in the home, were involved in Lowry’s death.
One of the suspects, 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore, faces murder charges. Authorities allege he and a 16-year-old attacked Lowry in the early hours of July 20. The attack, described as a physical altercation, reportedly left Lowry with knife wounds before the teens allegedly drowned him at a private boat dock.
Daryl Martinez Lowry, 13, was killed after allegedly being attacked by two teens in McCormick County, South Carolina.
The McCormick County Sheriff’s Office posted an arrest warrant online, detailing the accusation. The warrant states that during the incident at Beauregard Drive in Modoc, South Carolina, the assailants unlawfully and intentionally drowned Lowry.
Evidence and witness statements form the basis of these allegations. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Moore with murder upon request from the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. He was detained at the McCormick County Detention Center.
The 16-year-old involved was transferred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, but SLED has not confirmed any charges against this juvenile. During the alleged attack, Chairman Hamby reportedly slept in the house. Investigators have not indicated Hamby’s involvement or awareness of the crime.
Just a month before his death, Lowry was the subject of a missing child alert in Chester, South Carolina. Authorities later found him safe the following day after widespread community alerts and public assistance requests.
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe initiated by Lowry’s family described him as a vibrant and charismatic child. His family expressed their grief and determination for justice through social media and public statements.
McCormick County Sheriff Chad Cox described Lowry’s death as a profound loss for the community. He expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the assistance of multiple agencies, including SLED and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in the investigation.
Despite the rarity of violent crimes in McCormick County, Sheriff Cox emphasized the need for ongoing diligence in maintaining community safety. The case remains under investigation by SLED and will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
Fox News Digital reached out to relevant authorities for confirmation but stated that no accusations have been made against Hamby. The investigation is ongoing.
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