South Carolina Man Charged With Murder, Kidnapping After Newberry Crime Spree
NEWBERRY, S.C. — A 53-year-old Chapin man has been charged with murder, kidnapping, and multiple other felonies after police say he went on a violent crime spree that left one man dead and two victims abducted in Newberry.
Deadly Shooting at Apartment Complex
According to the Newberry Police Department, officers were called to the College Park Apartment complex on the morning of September 5 after reports of a shooting and abduction. When they entered one of the units, officers discovered the body of Dexter Tobias Gary Sr., 53, of Pomaria, who had died from a gunshot wound.
Police also determined that a woman and a child had been forced into a vehicle by the suspect, later identified as David Ray Clark.
Charges Against Clark
Clark now faces a wide array of charges, including:
- Murder
- Two counts of kidnapping
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain crimes
- Armed robbery
- Unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm
Authorities emphasized that Clark’s criminal history made his possession of firearms illegal, compounding the severity of the case.
Suspect Captured in Chapin
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, working with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, located Clark in Chapin along with the two kidnapping victims. Clark was arrested without further incident and transported back to Newberry to face charges.
While police confirmed the victims were recovered safely, they did not release details on their conditions. No other injuries were reported.
Investigation Expands Across Counties
Police Chief Kevin Goodman noted that the investigation spanned multiple jurisdictions, requiring coordination between local departments and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
“This investigation covered several counties, and I want to thank the officers, deputies, and agents who worked together to bring this case to a swift resolution,” Goodman said.
Despite Clark’s arrest, investigators say the case remains active as they work to establish a motive and determine Clark’s connection to the victims.
Clark Held Without Bond
Court records show Clark has been denied bond and is currently being held at the Newberry County Detention Center. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Police are urging anyone with information about the crime to contact the Newberry Police Department at 803-321-1010 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Do you think South Carolina should impose stricter monitoring of convicted felons with firearm histories to prevent violent sprees like this? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
