In the quiet community of Cross, South Carolina, a tragic event unfolded on June 29, 2020, forever altering the lives of two families. On that day, 25-year-old Lashawn Gadson, an African American woman from Reevesville, was found deceased alongside 61-year-old Lori Jean Gentile of Mount Pleasant. The two women were discovered on Poplar Hill Drive, victims of gun violence in what the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office deemed a double homicide.
The investigation swiftly led authorities to a
primary suspect, 19-year-old Damayjhon Quintez Gadson of Utahville. Despite sharing the same last name, he was not related to Lashawn. Considered armed and dangerous, a manhunt for Damayjhon ensued. The search crossed state lines, culminating in his capture on July 14, 2020, in Evansville, Indiana. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force apprehended him without incident, and he was held in the Vanderburgh County Jail to await extradition back to South Carolina to face charges.
During the trial, the prosecution built a case against Damayjhon Gadson, presenting evidence that included DNA found on the victims' vehicle and photographs from his phone that appeared to show a firearm consistent with the murder weapon. Phone records suggested a planned meeting between Damayjhon and Lashawn. Lori Gentile often provided transportation for Lashawn and was with her on that fateful day. However, the prosecution's case faced a significant hurdle as no fingerprints were found on the shell casings recovered from the crime scene.
Damayjhon Gadson pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. After deliberation, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial being declared in October 2024. The case remains unresolved, leaving the families of Lashawn Gadson and Lori Jean Gentile still searching for justice.
