In the summer of 2024, the life of a promising young woman, 22-year-old Kenasia Lanae Martin of Greensboro, North Carolina, was tragically cut short in a burst of violence that unfolded in the small city of Loris, South Carolina. On the afternoon of August 7th, amidst the deluge of Tropical Storm Debby, a fatal encounter took place near the downtown Bojangles on Main Street.
The incident, which occurred around 1:30 p.m., left Martin with fatal gunshot wounds and another individual injured.
The events leading up to the shooting reportedly began with a domestic dispute. An altercation involving three women, including Martin, is believed to have escalated, drawing in more individuals and culminating in the deadly shooting near Walnut Street. Martin was a rising junior at North Carolina A&T State University, poised to begin her studies for a Bachelor of Science in Social Work just days after the tragedy. She had recently graduated with an Associate in Arts Degree and was already making a difference in her community as a college ambassador, a campus worker, and a substitute teacher.
In the wake of the shooting, law enforcement initiated a thorough investigation that quickly led to a series of arrests. Four individuals were charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the death of Kenasia Martin and the injury of the second victim. Those taken into custody included William Thatcher Goodman, 51, and Antonio Dewayne Goodman, 53, who were arrested on August 15th. Also facing the same charges were Lilly Stephens, arrested on August 12th, and Feleshisa Goodman, who was apprehended in North Carolina and awaited extradition to Horry County. While multiple arrests were made, authorities did not immediately clarify who was believed to have fired the fatal shots.
