On a tragic day in Bennettsville, South Carolina, a community was shaken by the violent death of 43-year-old Quiana La'Quaya Morrison, a Black female, whose life was cut short on April 12, 2024. The incident unfolded on Red Bud Street, where Morrison was fatally shot. Another individual was also injured during the shooting and required medical attention.
The Marlboro County Coroner's Office later confirmed Morrison's identity, marking the beginning of a homicide investigation that would soon lead to an arrest.
In the wake of the shooting, the Bennettsville community was left to grapple with the sudden loss of a woman remembered for her devotion to her family and her passions. Morrison was a loving mother to her daughters and a doting grandmother. Those who knew her recall her enjoyment of cooking and her talent for caring for plants. Her death left a void in the lives of her loved ones, who cherished her presence and the memories they shared. A celebration of her life was held on April 20, 2024, at Quick's Funeral Home, followed by her burial at St. Paul AME Zion Church Cemetery.
The investigation into Quiana Morrison's death saw a significant development when 60-year-old Willie Bethea Jr. surrendered to law enforcement. He was subsequently charged with murder, attempted murder, discharging a weapon into a vehicle, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Following his arrest, Bethea was held at the Marlboro County Detention Center as the legal process against him commenced. The case remains a somber reminder of the impact of gun violence on a small community.
