On March 13, 2025, authorities in Horry County, South Carolina, launched a homicide investigation following a violent incident in the Longs area that claimed the life of 53-year-old Don Johnson, a Black male resident of the community. Law enforcement officers were dispatched to a scene on Freemont Road early that afternoon after receiving reports of gunfire.
Upon their arrival at approximately 2:18 p.m., first responders discovered Johnson unconscious inside a vehicle, suffering from a critical gunshot wound to the stomach. He was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation at the scene revealed that Johnson was not the only person targeted during the altercation. A second victim was found with a gunshot wound to the arm but survived the attack. Police reports indicated that the shooting stemmed from an argument that escalated into violence. Investigators worked quickly to secure the area and interview witnesses, leading to the identification of a suspect shortly after the crime occurred.
Later that same day, Horry County Police arrested 20-year-old Da'Shauan Kamarion Knox in connection with the shooting. Knox was taken into custody and booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he was held without bail. He faces serious charges including murder for the death of Johnson and attempted murder regarding the second victim. As the legal process began, the local coroner’s office confirmed the cause of death, and funeral arrangements were subsequently made, with services held to honor Johnson's memory in the following days.
