Tragic Events Unfold in Newberry County
NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — It’s a quiet evening in the peaceful community of Newberry County, but on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the serenity was shattered by a shocking turn of events that left one person dead and another seriously injured. According to reports, a tragic incident occurred on Green Meadows Drive, leading to the arrest of four individuals in connection with the case.
The Arrest of Suspects
Things took a dramatic turn on Friday afternoon when law enforcement officials, carrying out an operation on Folk Road, apprehended Glazariq Diaz Garcia, 20, and Matthew Neal Epps, 24. Their investigation didn’t stop there; they also captured Austin Adam George Stanley, 20, in Myrtle Beach that night. Finally, Danny Isaiah Gray, 24, was taken into custody on Mill Street in Whitmire by a combined team of Sheriff’s Deputies, SLED Agents, and Whitmire Police.
All four men face serious charges including murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, burglary 1st, kidnapping, and conspiracy. This incident has left many in the community shaken and searching for answers.
Harboring a Fugitive
During the apprehension of Gray, authorities arrested two more individuals, Parrish Jeral McWatters, 34, and Stephanie Heather Mayer, 28, both from Whitmire. They were charged with hindering law enforcement and unlawful neglect of a child after it was discovered that Gray was hiding under a pile of clothes in their home. The presence of three minor children in the residence at the time added another layer of complexity to this unfortunate situation.
What Happened on Green Meadows Drive?
Eyewitness accounts recount how the series of events unfolded. It’s alleged that Garcia was the first to arrive at the Green Meadows Drive location, occupying the residence. Shortly thereafter, Epps, Stanley, and Gray arrived wearing ski masks. In a terrifying scene, they forced their way into the home and began to assault the residents with the intent to rob them.
During this brutal attack, Kier Leon Marsh and the homeowner were wounded. Tragically, Marsh later succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the owner was rushed to a trauma center for treatment. It remains unclear if any items were stolen during this harrowing incident. Sheriff Lee Foster described the violence as a “senseless act”, one that disrupted the lives of six individuals over nothing of value.
Community Impact
Residents are left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless violence. Many in the area describe a sense of disbelief, feeling that such violent acts can’t happen in their own backyards. Sheriff Foster voiced the community’s sentiment when he stated one person is dead, another is grievously injured and many lives are forever altered.
While the investigation is ongoing, community members are coming together, offering support to the victims’ families and holding discussions about safety and awareness. As law enforcement works tirelessly to ensure justice is served, Newberry County is left hoping for healing in a community shaken by tragedy.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseeable nature of violence in our communities. Please remain vigilant and look out for one another in these trying times.
