In the quiet town of Loris, South Carolina, a young life was abruptly cut short on March 25, 2019. Martrellyiz Vereen, an 18-year-old Black male, was found deceased, the victim of a fatal shooting. A senior at Loris High School, Vereen was discovered by authorities around 6:15 p.m. along a dirt road near Flag Patch Cemetery, lying behind a car. The Horry County Coroner's Office later confirmed his death as a homicide, estimating that the shooting had occurred shortly before his body was found.
Known affectionately as 'Trez' by friends and family, he was remembered as a cheerful young man with a knack for making people laugh, often described as a 'big ole teddy bear.' He was an active member of his community, serving as an usher at Freemont Missionary Baptist Church and participating in his high school's R.O.T.C. program.
The investigation into Vereen's death quickly led Horry County police to two suspects. It was determined that Vereen had been involved in a verbal argument with another 18-year-old, Aaron Miguel Vereen, at the St. Stephen A.M.E. Church Cemetery. The dispute escalated into a physical fight, during which Aaron Vereen produced a handgun and shot Martrellyiz Vereen multiple times. It was noted by authorities that the two Vereens were not related.
In connection with the killing, Aaron Vereen was arrested and initially charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. These charges were later upgraded to murder. He was held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bond, partly due to a prior armed robbery charge. A second individual, 18-year-old Tyshon Clifton, was also arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly withholding crucial information from investigators. The arrests were made following a number of tips from the community, which was deeply affected by the loss of the young man. In the wake of the tragedy, counselors were made available at Loris High School to support students and staff grappling with the sudden death of a classmate and friend.
