Hunter Lee Derrick, a 19-year-old father from Warrenville, South Carolina, was remembered by his family as a goofy, hardworking, and respectful young man who could make anyone laugh. Born in Augusta, Georgia, Hunter was of the Christian faith and enjoyed handiwork, always fixing things. He loved country music and fishing, but most of all, he loved his son, Clayton James Derrick, and his family.
A cousin recalled him as an intelligent and sweet kid who was deeply loved by his friends and family.
The morning of Sunday, October 18, 2026, turned tragic for Hunter and his loved ones. Around 11:25 a.m., he was with his 46-year-old uncle, Leroy Laird Sr., on Bayberry Street, near Cemetery Road in their hometown of Warrenville. An incident occurred that resulted in gunfire. When deputies from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene at 104 Bayberry Street shortly before 11:30 a.m., they found both Hunter and his uncle with gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene to render aid. Hunter had been shot in the chest, while his uncle suffered a gunshot wound to his arm. Both men were rushed to WellStar MCG Health, a hospital in nearby Augusta. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Hunter L. Derrick was pronounced dead at 12:31 p.m. from at least one gunshot wound. His uncle survived and received treatment for his injuries. An autopsy for Hunter was scheduled to be performed in Newberry.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation. Initially, deputies were reportedly searching for two male suspects who were seen running into the woods, with at least one believed to be armed with a rifle. Investigators and forensic units processed the scene on Bayberry Street for evidence. Their work quickly led to a person of interest.
The day after the shooting, investigators arrested 19-year-old Elijah Ray Brown of Graniteville. According to arrest warrants, Brown allegedly shot Hunter with a .22 rifle. He was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Brown was booked into the Aiken County Detention Center, where he was held without bond. Authorities did not publicly disclose a motive for the shooting. Records indicated that Brown had a history of arrests in both Aiken and Richmond counties.
A celebration of Hunter's life was held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Cole Funeral Home Chapel, with his father officiating. He was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Hunter was survived by his son, his parents, his brother, and numerous other relatives and friends who will deeply miss his entertaining presence. The investigation into his death continues, and as of October 2026, the case against the suspect was pending in court. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 803-642-1761.
