Deontay Jayquan Lynch, a 29-year-old man, was found deceased on Friday, January 19, 2024, in a room at the Days Inn and Suites in Greenville, South Carolina. Guests at the hotel reported hearing gunshots, which led to the discovery of his body. An investigation by the Greenville County Coroner's Office later confirmed that Lynch had died from a gunshot wound. Known affectionately as 'DJ' to his friends, family, and a significant online following, he was a tax accountant from Spartanburg.
Beyond his professional life, Lynch was a dedicated husband and father to two small children, a coach for his daughter's basketball team, and a social media influencer with a podcast titled 'Dad Big Thinker.'
The last contact his wife, Da'Myra Lynch, had with him was around 3:30 p.m. on the day of his death as he was leaving his job at The Hultquist Firm in Greenville. Instead of returning home, he went to the Days Inn. After he was reported missing on January 20, his wife announced his passing on social media the following day. The investigation into his death quickly progressed, leading to the apprehension of two suspects.
On January 22, 2024, authorities arrested 21-year-old Joeanna Isabela Badger and 20-year-old Devonte Tyrese Orr in Jasper County in connection with Lynch's death. Following their arrest, they were transported back to Greenville County. Both Badger and Orr have been charged with murder, burglary, and conspiracy. In addition to these charges, Orr faces a charge of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. While the motive for the shooting has not been officially released, friends of Lynch have suggested that he may have been ministering to the young individuals who are now accused of his murder.
