The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division arrests two teenagers following a fatal dock altercation
On July 20, 2026, authorities arrested 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore and a 16-year-old for the murder of 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry. The teens allegedly held Lowry underwater at a Modoc boat dock. The incident occurred during a short foster stay in McCormick County.
On July 20, 2026, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore with murder. Authorities also held a 16-year-old suspect for the fatal event.
The sudden arrests follow the shocking death of 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry. The sad event occurred during a short foster stay. Officials confirm the placement was at the home of McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby.
Tragic dock dispute
The fight happened early in the morning at a private boat dock. The dock sits on Beauregard Drive near Clarks Hill Lake in Modoc.
ValidUpdates understands that the three foster children engaged in a physical fight. Lowry reportedly suffered knife wounds during the struggle. The older teens then allegedly forced him into the water.
An online arrest warrant outlines the specific claims against the suspects. Authorities state the teens used extreme force against the young boy.
”did unlawfully, intentionally, and with malice aforethought,” the warrant stated.
The suspects allegedly kept the victim underwater in the lake. The younger teen died at the scene.
”holding him underwater until he became deceased,” the official document alleged.
Family seeks answers
The family of the victim hired lawyer Tyler Bailey to lead an outside review. The legal team plans to look closely at the state foster care system. Bailey shared a public statement on July 23, 2026.
”Daryl was just 13 years old,” Bailey said.
The lawyer stressed the role of state groups in this sad case. He noted the heavy weight placed on the foster system.
”He was in the custody of the state of South Carolina,” Bailey noted.
The family fully backs the ongoing state criminal case. However, their outside review will focus on different parts of the case. They want to grasp the events leading up to the placement.
”Our questions are different than those the investigative bodies are asking,” Bailey stated.
The legal team hopes to find out how authorities managed the foster home. They are asking hard questions about adult watch.
”Daryl’s family wants to know how this placement made?” Bailey asked.
The lawyer highlighted fears about the setting inside the home. He stressed the need for truth regarding the other minors.
”What was known about that home and the other children living in it?” Bailey questioned.
The lack of a watch during the night remains a major worry. The family wants to name the adults on duty. They demand full answers for the failure.
”Who was responsible for supervising Daryl overnight, and where were they at the time of his death?” Bailey demanded.
Relatives are now preparing to bury the young boy. They need time to mourn their sudden loss. The town continues to offer help during this dark time.
”Daryl’s family is now planning his funeral,” Bailey confirmed.
The legal team asked reporters to give the family space. They hope everyone respects this strict line. The family needs quiet moments to process their deep grief.
”They have asked for privacy while they lay their son to rest,” Bailey requested. “And we ask the public and media to honor that,” the lawyer added.
The review will run next to the official police work. The firm promises to share updates as they find new facts. The lawyer ended his statement with a clear message of grief.
”Daryl and his family deserved so much better than what happened on that dock,” Bailey concluded.
Official investigations continue
Meanwhile, the McCormick County Sheriff asked the state agency to handle the case. Officials booked Moore into the McCormick County Detention Center.
Authorities moved the 16-year-old suspect to a youth justice centre. The South Carolina Attorney General will handle the criminal case. The state review remains active and ongoing at this time.
Reports show that Hamby was asleep inside the home during the attack. Police have not blamed the council chairman for any crime.
