On a warm evening in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a neighborhood block party on Southland Drive, intended to be a joyous community gathering, turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy. It was Saturday, June 1, 2024, when gunfire erupted, sending hundreds of attendees running for their lives. In the aftermath, a 44-year-old mother of three, Montest T. Mincey, lay dead, an innocent bystander caught in the senseless violence.
Another individual, 21-year-old Maricus Kirk, also lost his life in the shooting, which left two other people injured.
Montest Mincey, who had never been to the annual event before, was reportedly acting as a peacemaker when the shooting occurred. She was described by her brother as a loving, sharing, and caring person who was excited to enjoy a night out with her girlfriends. Her death has been a tragic loss for her family, particularly her three children, and her coworkers. The violence of that night led to the decision to discontinue the annual block party.
The Rock Hill Police Department swiftly launched an investigation into the double homicide. Their efforts led to the arrests of four individuals from nearby Lancaster County. D'markieoun Ji'shae Clyburn, 19, was apprehended and charged with the murder of Montest Mincey. Three other men were charged as accessories to the murder: 18-year-old Quantrel Jaheim Barrino, 24-year-old Tyquarious Queoveon Davis, and 20-year-old Marques Lavon Pearson. While arrests have been made, the motive behind the shooting and the specific roles each of the accused allegedly played have not been publicly detailed by law enforcement officials.
