On the evening of April 10, 2024, in Newberry, South Carolina, a burst of violence shattered the night and ended the life of 35-year-old Corey Wadsworth. At approximately 9:20 p.m., near the intersection of Wise Street and Benedict Street, gunshots rang out. When officers from the Newberry Police Department arrived at the scene, they discovered Wadsworth suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
He was quickly transported by Newberry County EMS to Newberry County Memorial Hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
In the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting, a suspect identified as 33-year-old Keeman Aljamek Bates turned himself in to law enforcement authorities without incident. His surrender led to a swift arrest in connection with Wadsworth's death. The incident was described by police as isolated, posing no further danger to the public. The investigation remains active and is a collaborative effort between the Newberry Police Department, the Newberry County Coroner's Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Following his arrest, Keeman Aljamek Bates was charged with a string of serious offenses, including murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, and unlawful carry of a pistol. He was also charged with possession of a pistol by a prohibited person. Bates was subsequently booked into the Newberry County Detention Center, where he is being held while awaiting a bond hearing that must be set by a Circuit Court judge. Authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information regarding the homicide to come forward and contact either the Newberry Police Department or Midlands Crime Stoppers.
