In the quiet evening of January 23, 2021, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, 18-year-old Digarian Mikal Foster was with his 17-year-old friend, Zyon Minton, outside a home on Byars Street. The two teenagers were warming themselves by a fire when they were ambushed and shot multiple times in what police described as an execution-style killing. Both were rushed to Piedmont Medical Center, but they succumbed to their injuries and died.
The investigation into the double homicide revealed a tragic
story of betrayal and street justice. Authorities alleged that Foster was targeted because he had cooperated with law enforcement in a previous investigation in May 2020. This cooperation led to him being labeled a 'snitch,' and according to police, the suspects conspired to execute him in retaliation. Minton, who had remained a loyal friend to Foster, was tragically killed alongside him.
Within a month of the fatal shooting, the Rock Hill Police Department made arrests in the case. Three teenagers, who were reportedly friends with the victims, were taken into custody. Jon'tarius Delmone Reid, 18, and Kelvin Barnette Jr., 18, were the first to be arrested and charged with two counts of murder each. Shortly after, a third suspect, 17-year-old John'Quavious La'Quan Kelly, was also charged with two counts of murder. Despite his age, Kelly was charged as an adult. All three suspects were also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.
During a court hearing, a Rock Hill police detective stated that Foster and Minton were 'ambushed and killed in cold blood' with no argument or fight preceding the shooting. Foster's grandfather, Clayton Adams, expressed his heartbreak in court, stating that he had known the suspects for years and they had been to his house with his grandson since they were young. The mother of Zyon Minton, Keia Gordon, also shared her profound grief, questioning the senselessness of the act over something so 'small and petty.' The suspects were held in jail without bail pending trial.
