John Frank Childs, a 68-year-old man, was tragically killed on December 27, 2024, in a violent series of events that unfolded in Ladson, South Carolina. On that day, Childs was at an apartment complex with his daughter, Adrienne 'Kim' Seay, and his son, John A. Childs, helping to assemble Christmas toys for his grandson. The afternoon was shattered when Darius Seay, Adrienne's estranged husband, forced his way into the apartment.
Inside the Abberly Crossing apartment, a horrific scene
transpired as Seay, armed, attacked his estranged wife and her family. Witnesses in the complex reported hearing loud banging and a commotion coming from the apartment. Tragically, John Frank Childs, his 38-year-old daughter Adrienne, and his 36-year-old son John were all killed in the assault. Initial reports suggested that Adrienne Seay was both stabbed and shot. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the murders, Darius Seay fled the apartment, abducting his and Adrienne's five-year-old son. Witnesses saw Seay carrying the child as he exited the building. He then pistol-whipped a witness who confronted him in the breezeway before proceeding to his vehicle. There, he donned a bulletproof vest and a combat-style helmet and retrieved an AR-15 style rifle.
Law enforcement was able to track Seay to a residence about eight miles away. As officers approached, Seay emerged from the house with the young boy. He released the child to the police and then took his own life. The motive for this tragic event appears to be rooted in a domestic dispute between Darius and Adrienne Seay, who were reportedly going through a divorce. Just a day before the murders, on December 26, 2024, Darius Seay had been arrested on a charge of second-degree assault and battery but was released on a personal recognizance bond.
