In the quiet town of Loris, South Carolina, a burst of violence on the evening of May 19, 2021, forever altered the lives of many. Shaquan Terrell Cox, a 20-year-old Black male, was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting that ultimately claimed his life. The incident unfolded near the intersection of Cox Road and Cannon Street, a typically calm area that was suddenly shattered by the sound of gunfire.
According to reports, a sedan sped through the neighborhood as at least one
individual inside opened fire on a group of people gathered nearby. The chaotic scene left three individuals wounded, including Cox. While two of the victims received immediate medical attention at the scene for their injuries, Cox’s wounds were far more severe. He was rushed to a local hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries less than an hour after the shooting.
The investigation into the senseless act of violence was swift, with the U.S. Marshals, Horry County police, and the State Law Enforcement Division working in collaboration. Their combined efforts led to a significant breakthrough in the case. Stephon Antwain Johnson, a 26-year-old man, was identified as the primary suspect. He was apprehended and subsequently charged with murder and possession of a deadly weapon during a violent crime. Following his arrest, Johnson was held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, denied bail as he awaited legal proceedings. The motive for the shooting and the circumstances that led to the tragic death of Shaquan Terrell Cox remain at the heart of the ongoing investigation, leaving a community to grapple with the aftermath of a life cut short.
