News Summary
Recent events in Newberry County have sparked concern among residents, as multiple arrests have taken place following armed confrontations and violent incidents. Duan Barnes was arrested for brandishing a BB gun at a local bar, while a deadly shooting during an attempted robbery claimed the life of Kier Leon Marsh. Additionally, Kentrell Dontez Wicker faces severe charges, further alarming the community about safety in their neighborhoods.
Newberry County Sees Multiple Arrests Amidst Shocking Incidents
Newberry County has been the center of some unsettling events recently, as two serious incidents culminated in multiple arrests. Residents are left grappling with the implications of violence in their community, all stemming from alarming interactions involving local individuals.
Arrest Made After Armed Incident at Local Bar
In a surprising turn of events, Duan Barnes, a 40-year-old man from Prosperity has found himself on the wrong side of the law. Barnes has been arrested and charged with assault and battery in the first degree and kidnapping. The sequence of events unfolded when he allegedly entered Martin’s Landing, a popular local bar, brandishing a weapon. What’s more shocking is that this wasn’t any ordinary weapon but rather a very realistic-looking BB gun tucked into a police-type holster.
Authorities have determined that Barnes was a former employee of the establishment who had previously been terminated. His motive for storming into the bar appears to revolve around a dispute over unpaid wages for his prior work there—a certainly concerning scenario for everyone involved.
After the incident, Barnes was swiftly apprehended and taken to the Newberry County Detention Center. Community members are understandably shaken, and many are left wondering what could have sparked such drastic actions.
Deadly Shooting Under Investigation
The situation unfolded as suspects forced their way into a residence, donning ski masks, with the intention of robbing the residents. What adds a haunting element to this story is that, despite their violent efforts, nothing was taken from the house.
Authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the shooting: Garcia, Epps, Stanley, and Sims. Furthermore, two additional individuals, McWatters and Mayer, were apprehended for allegedly harboring one of the fugitives involved in the case. This fugitive, named Gray, was found hiding under clothes in a Mill Street residence. During their efforts to apprehend Gray, a deputy was injured due to a dog bite, further complicating matters for law enforcement.
What makes this situation all the more troubling is that three children were present in the home at the time when Gray was discovered. This has raised concerns within the community, as families begin to question the safety of their neighborhoods.
More Violence Linked to Domestic Disturbance
The victim reported that Wicker had assaulted her, preventing her from leaving while also inflicting physical harm, including biting and choking. At one point, he even threatened her with a carving knife. Thankfully, the victim managed to escape to a neighbor’s apartment and contact authorities, leading to Wicker’s eventual arrest.
He remains in custody at the Newberry County Detention Center, with his bond currently denied. With so many violent events surfacing in Newberry County, residents are increasingly anxious about the state of safety in their community.
As investigations continue and the court proceedings unfold, community members are left to wonder what could be done to prevent these alarming acts of violence from occurring in the future.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Prosperity Man Arrested in Connection with Kidnapping
- WLTX: Standoff at Newberry County Restaurant
- WISTV: Multiple Arrested in Connection with Deadly Shooting
- WLTX: Homicide Arrests in Newberry County
- WACH: Six Charged in Fatal Newberry County Home Invasion
- Wikipedia: Kidnapping
- Google Search: Newberry County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
- Google Scholar: Criminal Justice
- Google News: Newberry County Crime
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
