On a Saturday evening in Newberry, South Carolina, the life of 35-year-old Jordan Darrel McMorris was tragically cut short. On March 26, 2022, officers from the Newberry Police Department and the Newberry County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a shooting on Bess Street at approximately 9:00 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered McMorris with a gunshot wound.
He was transported by Newberry County EMS to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Born in Newberry on July 22, 1986, Jordan was a 2004 graduate of Newberry High School and a member of Bush River Baptist Church. Remembered for his infectious and compassionate personality, he had a special talent for making people laugh. He was the owner of New Vision Auto LLC in Columbia, South Carolina, and had a passion for cars, winning many awards at car shows. He was a father, son, and brother, leaving behind a daughter, his mother, and a brother.
In the days following the shooting, the Newberry Police Department, with the assistance of tips from the community, made several arrests in connection with McMorris's death. Two men from Prosperity, 25-year-old Kweisi Steven Nicks and 29-year-old Jemarious Tyquon Ruff, were taken into custody. Nicks was charged with murder, domestic violence in the third degree, weapon possession during a violent crime, and assault-attempted murder. Ruff faced charges of conspiracy.
Shortly after, a third suspect, 26-year-old Marcus Edward Wheeler, also from Prosperity, was arrested and charged with conspiracy, criminal conspiracy, and common law conspiracy. Police Chief Kevin Goodman described the shooting as a 'senseless' act and expressed his gratitude to the community for their assistance in leading to the arrests, highlighting it as an example of the community working together to ensure safety and hold those responsible accountable.
