In the late autumn of 2019, the life of a young Orangeburg, South Carolina man was tragically cut short. Cecil Hartwell, a 21-year-old Black male, was killed by an act of gun violence on November 6, 2019. Details surrounding the specific circumstances of his death remain scarce in publicly available records.
Born on January 15, 1998, Cecil Hartwell Jr. was a graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School and was employed by Husqvarna in Orangeburg.
Described as a hard worker, he was the son of Betty Hartwell and Cecil Gilyard. He was also a father to three children. His death left a void in the lives of his family, including his fiancée, siblings, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.
Following the shooting, the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office began an investigation, seeking witnesses who might have information related to the incident. News reports from the time confirmed that authorities were actively looking for leads in the case. However, despite the passage of time, there have been no subsequent public announcements regarding any arrests made or suspects identified in connection with the death of Cecil Hartwell.
The case of Cecil Hartwell's death is listed among the unsolved homicides in Orangeburg. While his obituary painted a picture of a young man with a full life ahead of him, the narrative of how and why that life was taken remains incomplete. The absence of information on arrests or suspects leaves his family and community still waiting for answers and for justice to be served.
