Jaquez Deonte Butler was a 16-year-old from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, known to friends as "2 Quez." The Black teenager attended Goose Creek High and was remembered by those who knew him as an outgoing social butterfly. Born on December 19, 2004, his life was filled with a vibrant energy that was cherished by his community.
On the evening of Tuesday, June 22, 2021, that life was tragically cut short.
Officers with the North Charleston Police Department responded to a shooting in the 3700 block of Pine Field Court. At the scene, they found Jaquez suffering from an injury consistent with a gunshot wound. The officers immediately rendered first aid, working to save the young man's life until Charleston County EMS arrived.
Despite the efforts of first responders, Jaquez died from his injuries at the scene. The Charleston County Coroner, Bobbi Jo O’Neal, confirmed that his death occurred at 8:22 p.m. In the days that followed, his family, who lived in the Tri-County area, held a public viewing for him in North Charleston. A friend later left a message on a memorial page, writing, "I love you sm Quez. We're missing you every day <3."
Detectives from the North Charleston Police Department, along with the coroner's office, launched a homicide investigation. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, authorities announced that they had no information about a suspect to release to the public. As of June 2021, the investigation was ongoing. The murder of Jaquez Butler remains unsolved.
