On the evening of May 19, 2023, a violent altercation took place in Johnston, South Carolina, that claimed the life of 38-year-old Willie DeWayne Dublin. The incident occurred at a local establishment known as "The Spot" club located on Walker Street. According to reports from the time, Dublin, a Black African American male, was present at the venue when a dispute arose involving the management of the club.
Witnesses and authorities later detailed that the situation escalated when the club's manager attempted to escort Dublin off the property, alleging that he was behaving in an unruly manner.
During the process of removing him from the premises, the confrontation turned physical. It was in the midst of this struggle that the club manager, identified as 64-year-old Joe Ben Dukes, allegedly produced a firearm and discharged it, striking Dublin. Emergency services were notified, and the injured man was transported to Edgefield County Healthcare for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Dublin succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital at approximately 8:30 p.m. that same evening.
Law enforcement officials from the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office and local agencies investigated the shooting. Following their review of the evidence and witness statements, authorities arrested Joe Ben Dukes. In June 2023, reports indicated that Dukes had been charged with manslaughter in connection with Dublin's death. The investigation suggested that the lethal use of force occurred during the manager's attempt to enforce the club's rules, leading to the filing of the criminal charge against him. Family and friends later gathered to mourn Dublin, who was a native of Edgefield County and a graduate of Strom Thurmond High School, remembering him as a father and a landscaper by trade.
