In the Racepath community of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Darius Michael Hemingway was a beloved figure, known for his generosity and mentorship. At 30 years old, the former high school basketball standout who helped the Myrtle Beach Seahawks secure a state championship in 2008, was making a positive impact, including an annual toy drive for local children.
His life, however, was tragically cut short on the morning of October 12, 2020.
That day, a burst of gunfire erupted at Allen's Food Basket, a local eatery off U.S. 501. When the violence ceased, Hemingway and another man, Antonio Woods, lay dead. The incident also left several other people wounded. The Horry County coroner confirmed that Hemingway died at the scene from his injuries, a devastating loss for a community that held him in high regard.
The investigation into the double homicide led to the arrests of several individuals. Samuel Alexander Frye, a 21-year-old active-duty airman, and Mardave Hunter were charged with two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and one count of first-degree assault and battery. Another man, Tyrese Lighty, was also implicated in the shooting. A fourth individual, Lonnell Ducket Jr., faced eight counts of accessory after the fact to felony or murder.
The legal process that followed brought a series of developments. Tyrese Lighty ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter for his role in the deaths of Hemingway and Woods. In January 2023, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The case against Frye and Hunter went to trial, where Lighty testified for the state. However, in a turn of events, a jury found both Samuel Alexander Frye and Mardave Hunter not guilty of the murder charges in December 2022. The outcome of the case against Lonnell Ducket Jr. was not immediately clear. Despite the legal proceedings, the loss of Darius Hemingway continues to be felt by his family, friends, and the Racepath community, who remember him for his kind heart and positive influence.
