Florence, South Carolina police arrested three men in connection with the deadly Monday afternoon shooting at the Coit Village Apartments that took the life of 23‑year‑old Deandre Demetris Lyde. Officers were called just before 2:47 p.m. to the parking lot on North Coit Street after reports of shots fired. When they arrived they found Lyde with fatal gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the suspects arrived in a silver Honda Accord and had what investigators are calling an “interaction” with the victim before shots were fired. The vehicle fled the scene, and law enforcement quickly began a search for both the car and those inside. Detectives released photos of the Honda and asked the public for tips, which helped lead to the arrests.
By Tuesday, 19‑year‑olds Messiah King of Florence, Sebastian Gaskins of Pamplico and 22‑year‑old Davion Price of Lynchburg were taken into custody by Florence police and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. All three are now being held at the county detention center on charges that include murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and criminal conspiracy. The swift arrests brought a measure of relief to some residents who had been worried that the shooter was still at large.
For many in the neighborhood, the shooting was a shocking end to what had been a normal Monday afternoon. Some residents heard the gunfire but did not see what triggered it. Others watched in disbelief as police cars and crime scene tape encircled the apartment complex where families had been going about their day. Parents worried about their children’s safety, and neighbors spoke of the fear that such violence could happen in their own community.
Lyde’s death has hit home for many who knew him and for those who did not. Friends described him as someone with potential and ambition, someone who had plans they now must mourn instead of celebrate. Candlelight vigils, heartfelt messages and quiet moments of remembrance have marked the days since the shooting. People talk about Lyde as a person, not just a victim, recalling moments that remind them of his presence and spirit.
The Florence Police Department continues its investigation into the events leading up to the shooting. Interim Police Chief Stephen Starling said detectives are still piecing together timelines and establishing what led to the deadly confrontation. Autopsy results are pending and may provide further insight into what happened that afternoon.
This tragedy has sparked conversations in Florence about violence, safety and community support. As the legal process moves forward, residents are left to grapple with the reality of the loss and the hope that justice will unfold. There is a shared sense that the community must pull together to support one another and work towards preventing future loss.
In the days following the shooting, people have offered condolences to Lyde’s family and shared memories that highlight the value of his life. Though the circumstances of his death are painful, the response from the community shows a collective desire to honor him by caring for those he left behind.
