In the early morning hours of December 17, 2023, a dispute between two rival groups in the parking lot of the Sports Baba Bar in Ridgeland, South Carolina, escalated into a tragedy that claimed the lives of 24-year-old twin brothers, Tranquan Shalek Fripp and Trajaan Fripp, just days after their birthday. The incident, which also left another person injured, unfolded around 2:30 a.m.
at the Riverwalk Business Park establishment.
Trajaan Fripp was pronounced dead at the scene, while Tranquan Fripp succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The brothers were both from Beaufort. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division took over the investigation at the request of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office. Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the altercation and the subsequent shooting, which proved to be a critical piece of evidence in the investigation.
The investigation led to the arrests of three men from Beaufort. The first arrest was made on December 20, 2023, when authorities took 23-year-old Jamar Smith-Hagood into custody. He was followed by the arrest of 26-year-old Andrew Lee Grober II on January 26, 2024. The third suspect, 28-year-old Tayquan G'Mel Lampkin, was apprehended on February 2, 2024.
All three men are facing charges of two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The case against them will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office. The suspects are currently being held at the Jasper County Detention Center.
