In the late hours of a Friday night in Lancaster, South Carolina, a series of events unfolded that would tragically end the life of 17-year-old Daquan LaKenneth Blackmon. On August 18, 2017, Blackmon was a passenger in a vehicle with two other men, Travis Belk and Quinterius Lamont Clinton. As they were driving, Belk reportedly began firing a gun at another individual. In the chaotic moments that followed, one of the bullets struck Blackmon in the back of the head.
He was rushed to Springs Memorial Hospital in critical condition and later airlifted to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, for more advanced care.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the young man succumbed to his injuries two days later, on August 20, 2017. The incident, which took place in the vicinity of East Arch Street, prompted an immediate investigation by the Lancaster Police Department. As authorities pieced together the events of that fateful night, their focus turned to the two other occupants of the car.
The investigation led to the arrest of Travis Belk, then 25, who was identified as the shooter. He was subsequently charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. The driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Quinterius Lamont Clinton, was also taken into custody and charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Authorities alleged that Clinton had intentionally withheld information from investigators in an attempt to protect Belk. During a bond hearing in December 2017, lawyers for Belk and Clinton claimed that their vehicle had been fired upon first and that Belk had returned fire, accidentally hitting Blackmon. However, prosecutors stated there was no evidence to support the claim that the men were being shot at. A judge ultimately denied bond for both Belk and Clinton, deeming them a danger to the community.
