On a late Friday night in York, South Carolina, the life of 33-year-old Juan David Rivera was tragically cut short. On May 1, 2026, police responded to numerous 911 calls reporting gunfire near the intersection of West Liberty Street and Wellington Square Drive just before 11:45 p.m. A large gathering was taking place in the area, a common occurrence according to residents, though this particular crowd was described as unusually large.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered a chaotic scene with two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One of these men was Juan David Rivera, who was pronounced dead at the scene from a fatal gunshot wound. The second victim, who has not been publicly identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his leg. Witnesses in the neighborhood reported hearing a rapid succession of more than a dozen shots, a violent departure from the typical peace of the community.
The York Police Department quickly launched an investigation into the shooting. Their efforts led to the identification and arrest of a suspect the following day. Kejuan Deangelo Dye, a 34-year-old man from the nearby town of Clover, was taken into custody and charged with a series of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Investigators have not released a motive for the shooting. Dye is a convicted felon with a prior record, having been released from the South Carolina Department of Corrections in May 2025 after serving a sentence for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He is currently being held at the Moss Detention Center without bail, as only a circuit court judge in South Carolina can set bond for a murder charge. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information to come forward.
In the wake of this violence, friends and family gathered to remember Juan David Rivera. An obituary and tribute wall painted a picture of a loving and kind young man who brought many gifts and great memories to the lives he touched. He was remembered for being funny and always making people smile. Funeral services were scheduled for the following week, with a visitation and a celebration of life, followed by a burial at Lakeview Memory Garden in York. The case itself stands as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence. The shooting is believed to be the first fatal shooting in the small city of York in two years. With a suspect in custody and facing multiple felony charges, the legal process has begun, but for the community and the family of Juan David Rivera, the process of healing will be a much longer journey.
