In the late summer of 2009, a violent altercation outside a home in Blackville, South Carolina, resulted in the tragic death of 21-year-old Terrance Latrell Mayes, a Black male. The incident, which unfolded on August 20th, also left his brother, Zantrell Mayes, with serious injuries. An argument between Terrance Mayes and another man, Demetrius Smalls, escalated to the point of gunfire.
Smalls shot both brothers, and while Zantrell survived his wounds, Terrance succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the shooting, law enforcement quickly identified Demetrius Smalls as the perpetrator. He was subsequently arrested and faced a series of serious charges, including the murder of Terrance Mayes, assault and battery with intent to kill for the shooting of Zantrell Mayes, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. In the ensuing legal process, Smalls maintained that his actions were a result of self-defense during the physical confrontation.
The case proceeded through the justice system, and over a year after the incident, a grand jury handed down indictments against Smalls on January 25, 2011, which coincided with the beginning of his trial's jury selection. Despite his claims of self-defense, the jury presiding over the trial ultimately found Demetrius Smalls guilty of the charges brought against him in connection with the death of Terrance Mayes and the assault on his brother.
