News Summary
Two men have been arrested following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Calvin Lamont Parker Jr. at the Ware Shoals Dragway during a car and bike show. Kendrick Beanard Makins and Travis Dewayne Turner Jr. face murder charges, with ongoing legal proceedings. The incident has raised public safety concerns in the community, prompting law enforcement to assure residents of their safety as investigations continue. It is noted that no other individuals were injured during the event, described as an isolated incident.
Ware Shoals, South Carolina—Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Calvin Lamont Parker Jr. at the Ware Shoals Dragway on May 11, 2024. The arrests were the result of ongoing investigations into the incident, which reportedly occurred during a car and bike show hosted at the dragway.
The primary suspect, Kendrick Beanard Makins, was apprehended on the same day as the shooting. He faces charges including murder and has had his bond denied twice during court hearings. Despite arguments from the defense regarding the admissibility of video evidence that might identify him as the shooter, legal proceedings continue to unfold.
In addition to Makins, Travis Dewayne Turner Jr., a resident of Greenwood, has also been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Both suspects are believed to have played significant roles in the tragic incident that left Parker dead from his injuries.
Authorities responded to the shooting late Wednesday evening, with deputies and specialized SWAT teams arriving at the scene on Smith Street Extension. The SWAT team made contact with a suspect inside the home, although no immediate threat to the public was reported. Following the incident, law enforcement advised residents to avoid the area as the investigation continued.
Parker succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting, prompting officials to schedule an autopsy for the following Monday. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no other individuals were injured during the event, which law enforcement characterized as an isolated incident.
The shooting highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety in Ware Shoals, particularly at events designed to bring the community together. Reports indicate that the dragway had been hosting a popular car and bike show when the violence erupted.
In a separate incident, Justin Rawlins Moody, a 42-year-old resident of Ware Shoals, is facing charges related to the shooting death of 48-year-old Oscar Rubio. Moody faces a series of serious charges including murder, armed robbery, first-degree burglary, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Rubio was discovered unresponsive in a separate shooting incident, with investigators later obtaining a search warrant for a nearby location, leading to the recovery of items that allegedly link Moody to Rubio’s death. Moody has a background in law enforcement, having served various sheriff’s and police departments across South Carolina for over a decade before resigning from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in October 2018.
As investigations into both incidents continue, law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information to come forward. The earlier incidents have raised questions about community safety and the prevalence of gun violence in the area, prompting discussions among residents and local officials about how to address these pressing issues.
The community remains on alert as the legal proceedings for both Makins and Turner unfold, with advocates urging greater measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and reassured the public that their safety remains a priority as they navigate these complicated cases. More updates on both investigations are expected as the cases proceed through the legal system.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: SWAT Called to Greenwood County in Connection with Ware Shoals Shooting
- Wikipedia: Ware Shoals, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Ware Shoals Dragway Shooting Suspect Denied Bond Again
- Google Search: Ware Shoals Dragway Shooting
- GoLaurens: Second Suspect Charged in Shooting at Ware Shoals Dragway
- Google Scholar: Ware Shoals Shooting 2024
- The State: Ware Shoals Shooting Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
Author: HERE Greenwood
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