On the evening of September 30, 2021, in Florence, South Carolina, the life of 18-year-old Ja’Marion Derique Byrd, a Black male, was tragically cut short by gun violence. Responding to reports of gunfire around 8:40 p.m., Florence Police Department officers arrived at a residence on Carver Street to a grim scene. Inside the house, they discovered Byrd, who had been fatally shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Just outside the same house, another young man, 20-year-old Tyrin
McCullum, was found with life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical personnel transported McCullum to a nearby hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. The Florence County Coroner's office confirmed the identities of both victims and scheduled autopsies to be performed at the Medical University of South Carolina. The double homicide sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting a disturbing pattern of gun violence in the area.
In the wake of the shooting, the Florence Police Department launched an investigation into the deaths of Byrd and McCullum. They have actively sought assistance from the public, urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the department. However, despite their efforts, there have been no arrests made in connection with the killings, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case remains an open and ongoing investigation, leaving a community to mourn and await justice for the two young lives lost.
