On a tragic evening in Saint-Matthews, South Carolina, the life of 12-year-old Trevay Arianna Stroman was cut short in a devastating act of violence. On May 17, 2020, Trevay, a young girl known for her creative and vibrant spirit, was fatally shot at her home on Bugle Flowers Road. Trevay, a student at St. Matthews K-8 School who dreamed of becoming a cosmetologist, was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend.
The horrific events of that day unfolded as a result of a domestic dispute.
Gabriel Jordan, who had been in a relationship with Trevay's mother, Shanta Singleton, confronted her after she had gone to the beach with another man. The argument escalated, and Jordan began to choke Singleton outside their home. In a brave attempt to protect her mother, Trevay intervened, jumping on Jordan's back. It was then that Jordan turned the gun on the young girl, shooting her.
The violence did not end there. Jordan also shot and killed Shanta Singleton, 37, and Trevay's 15-year-old sister, Essence Stroman. Another of Singleton's daughters was wounded in the arm, while a fifth child present at the home was unharmed and managed to escape to a neighbor's house to seek help. After taking the lives of three innocent people, Gabriel Jordan, 37, turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.
In the aftermath of the murder-suicide, the community was left to grapple with the senseless loss. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Jordan was the sole perpetrator, and with his death, the investigation was closed. There were no further arrests or suspects in the case, which was a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. The community mourned the loss of Trevay, her mother, and her sister, remembering them as victims of a tragedy that could have been prevented.
