In the early hours of a Saturday morning in Florence, South Carolina, a life was tragically cut short. Twenty-two-year-old DyKyas Riyuan Belser, a male resident of Florence, was fatally wounded in a shooting that erupted inside a local nightclub on March 11, 2023. The violent altercation took place at the Lava Lounge on Sumter Street, shattering the weekend revelry and leaving a community in mourning.
According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from a dispute that escalated within
the club. During the fight, a firearm was discharged, and Belser was struck. He was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. The Florence County Coroner's Office later confirmed his identity.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, law enforcement launched a thorough investigation. Their efforts quickly led to the identification and apprehension of a suspect. Forty-five-year-old Javon Smith was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. He has since been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Following his arrest, Smith was booked and is being held at the Florence County Detention Center. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter is ongoing.
