In the quiet community of Lake City, South Carolina, Fernander Leon 'Tic' Barr, a 59-year-old local businessman, was known for his generosity and infectious smile. His life, however, was tragically cut short on the night of June 19, 2025, in what authorities have described as a complex and domestic-related incident. That evening, officers from the Lake City Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Simmons Street following reports of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, they
discovered a chaotic and violent scene in the front yard. Three individuals were found bleeding profusely from various injuries. Fernander Barr had sustained a severe laceration to his neck and, as an autopsy would later confirm, a small caliber gunshot wound under his chin. Another man was found with three gunshot wounds, two in his back and one in his left hand. A third victim, a female, suffered from a laceration to her face and other possible injuries. All three, including Barr, were conscious when law enforcement arrived and were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Fernander Barr succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Investigators at the scene recovered both an edged weapon and a handgun. They also noted signs of forced entry into the residence, suggesting a violent struggle had taken place. Inside the home, a third individual and a minor child were present during the altercation but were unharmed and not directly involved.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Lake City Police Department has urged the community to be patient as they continue their investigation. No arrests have been made, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time. The two surviving victims have been interviewed by investigators, and the case has been turned over to the 12th Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office for review. The investigation into the death of Fernander 'Tic' Barr, a man remembered as a pillar of his community, remains ongoing.
