MODOC, SOUTH CAROLINA — Authorities in South Carolina are continuing to investigate the d34th of 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry, a foster child who had recently been placed in a temporary foster home before prosecutors say he was att4ck by two other teenagers also living at the residence.
The case has shocked the local community and prompted renewed questions about child safety within the foster care system.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced that Landen Austin Moore, 17, has been charged with murd3r in connection with the incident.
A second suspect, an unnamed 16-year-old, has been taken into the custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Because the second suspect is a minor, authorities have not released that individual’s identity.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on July 20 at a residential boat dock in Modoc, McCormick County. Court documents allege that a physical altercation broke out between Daryl Martinez Lowry, Landen Austin Moore, and the 16-year-old.
Investigators further allege that Daryl suffered knife lacerations before the two teens allegedly held him underwater until he d13d. These allegations are contained in arrest warrants and have not yet been proven in court.
Investigators said all three boys were living in the same foster home. Reports indicate the residence belonged to Bernie Hamby, chairman of the McCormick County Council, where Daryl Martinez Lowry had been temporarily placed while awaiting another foster placement.
Authorities have not accused Bernie Hamby of any wrongdoing in connection with the case.
Family members have remembered Daryl Martinez Lowry as a joyful and caring young boy whose life was filled with promise.
Following the tragedy, relatives retained attorney Tyler Bailey, who announced that the family has launched an independent investigation while seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s d34th.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case once the investigation is complete.
SLED has emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional information could be released as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
As the legal process moves forward, Landen Austin Moore is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
