A tragic incident at the home of a South Carolina foster parent has left a 13-year-old boy dead and prompted a criminal investigation involving two other teenagers who were also living in the residence.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Daryl Martinez Lowry, 13, died on July 20 after an altercation near Clark Hills Lake in Modoc, South Carolina. Authorities have arrested two teenagers in connection with the incident.
Altercation Began Near Boat Dock
Investigators allege the three foster children were together near a boat dock when an argument broke out.
According to an arrest affidavit, Daryl sustained injuries during the confrontation before investigators allege he was held underwater. Emergency responders later recovered his body from the lake.
The affidavit forms part of the prosecution’s allegations, which have not yet been proven in court.
One Teen Charged With Murder
Authorities arrested 17-year-old Landen Moore, who has been charged with murder.
A second suspect, a 16-year-old, was taken into custody and transferred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Officials have not publicly disclosed the juvenile’s specific charges because of his age.
Both cases remain pending as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Home Belonged to Local County Official
Investigators confirmed that all three boys were living in the foster home of McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby.
According to local officials, Hamby has served as a foster parent for years. Daryl had reportedly been placed in the home temporarily while awaiting another foster placement.
Hamby has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the incident, and authorities have not announced any investigation involving his conduct.
Family Mourns 13-Year-Old
Following Daryl’s death, relatives described him as a caring and energetic child who loved spending time with family and friends.
A fundraiser organized by family members remembered him as “full of life, love, and charisma,” while relatives publicly vowed to seek justice through the legal process.
Messages shared online reflected the family’s heartbreak as they struggled to understand how a child placed in foster care for protection lost his life only days after arriving at the home.
Investigation Continues
SLED continues to investigate the circumstances leading to Daryl’s death.
Authorities have not announced whether additional charges could be filed or released further details regarding the events preceding the altercation.
As the criminal cases move through South Carolina’s court system, both defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until the allegations are proven in court.
