Nathaniel Scott Jr., a 28-year-old male U.S. Army veteran and burgeoning radio personality, found his promising future cut short in the early morning hours of November 25, 2018. Known on the airwaves as 'DJ Tough Love,' Scott was establishing himself as a DJ for Z93 Jamz in North Charleston, even sending in his mixes while deployed in Afghanistan. He had recently returned home to Sheldon, South Carolina, with plans to further his career in music.
A decorated soldier, he had been awarded the Purple Heart for his service.
On the night of his death, a large gathering was taking place in a wooded area off Bailey Road in Sheldon. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office was first dispatched to the location around 2:45 a.m. following reports of automatic gunfire. Upon arrival, deputies encountered a chaotic scene with approximately 100 people and numerous vehicles, but they were met with a lack of cooperation and found no initial evidence of a shooting. However, a second call around 4 a.m. reported a man had been shot. This time, deputies were led to a wooded area where they discovered Nathaniel Scott Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has been investigating the death of Nathaniel Scott Jr. as a homicide. In the immediate aftermath, investigators expressed their belief that numerous eyewitnesses were present at the party but were hesitant to come forward. There was some indication that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute on social media. Despite pleas from law enforcement and Scott's family for information, the investigation remains open. Based on available online sources, there has been no public announcement of any arrests or the identification of any suspects in the years following his death. The case continues to be an unresolved homicide, leaving a community and a grieving family searching for answers and justice.
