On November 10, 2020, authorities in Marion, South Carolina, responded to a violent incident that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Ira Keith Godbolt. The Black / African American male was at Kenny's Auto Shop located on South Main Street when the shooting occurred around 2 p.m. Law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived at the scene to find Godbolt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the fatal shooting was conducted by the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Coroner's Office, led by Deputy Coroner Jim Gray. Following the collection of evidence and witness statements, investigators identified a suspect in connection with the homicide. Police arrested 38-year-old Prentis Deberry Quick and took him into custody regarding the death of Godbolt.
Prentis Deberry Quick faced multiple serious charges stemming from the confrontation. These charges included murder, pointing and presenting a firearm, discharging a firearm within city limits, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and unlawful carrying of a pistol. The legal proceedings initiated against Quick reflected the severity of the allegations, with court records indicating the involvement of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office in the prosecution of the case.
