Newberry, South Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Ty’Ran Dixon, a former football player at Newberry College, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit after being wrongfully arrested for murder. He spent over two months in jail before being exonerated, and his lawsuit claims critical failures by law enforcement led to his wrongful arrest. Dixon’s case highlights issues of misidentification and failures in handling evidence, raising concerns for the local community and the college football program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Newberry, South Carolina
Ty’Ran Dixon, a former Newberry College football player, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit after being wrongfully arrested for murder. Dixon spent over two months in jail for an incident he did not commit—spending 67 days in custody before being exonerated. His lawsuit targets the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Steven Griffith, and various law enforcement officials for critical failures leading to his wrongful arrest.
Dixon was arrested in August 2024 in connection with the murder of Jasmine Roach, which took place in October 2023. Despite numerous signs indicating that he was not the actual suspect, including a significant difference in physical stature—Dixon weighing 300 pounds compared to the true suspect, Ty’Ren Dickson, who weighs 180 pounds—investigators failed to take corrective actions promptly. The lawsuit underlines these investigative missteps and claims that law enforcement had received a text identifying the real suspect but neglected to act on this crucial information.
Just nine days following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Dixon, there emerged doubts among investigators regarding his identity as the perpetrator. It was proposed at one point to show Dixon’s photograph to a witness for confirmation; however, this step was never pursued. The Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly responded to the federal lawsuit and has denied allegations made in a separate state case.
The incidents surrounding Dixon’s wrongful arrest come as Newberry College sports news continues to captivate the community. The college recently held its annual spring football game on April 26, 2025, amid continuing interest in the program, even after struggles evident from the previous season where they secured a 3-7 record. Head Coach Todd Knight is set to enter his 17th season, with hopes to turn around the team’s performance starting September 6 against UVA Wise.
The recent events also highlight the challenges the Newberry College football program faces, such as roster management worsened by the impending closure of rival Limestone College, scheduled for May 2025. This closure has prompted Newberry to actively recruit incoming freshmen and transfer players from Limestone to fortify their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Additionally, the community has been shaken by the tragic death of Mycheal Edwards-Wallace, an incoming freshman football player at Newberry College, who lost his life to gun violence in June 2024. This incident casts a shadow on safety in the local area and raises further concerns regarding the wellbeing of students and athletes in the community.
Key Details of the Situation
- Wrongful Arrest: Ty’Ran Dixon wrongfully jailed for over two months.
- Civil Rights Lawsuit: Filed against the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement officials.
- Murder Case: Connected to the death of Jasmine Roach in October 2023.
- Innocence Evidence: Physical evidence and misidentification issues cited in the lawsuit.
- Community Impact: Ongoing challenges for Newberry College’s football program and local safety concerns.
Upcoming Newberry College Season
The Newberry College football team is preparing for its 2025 season kick-off, showcasing a willingness to build a competitive roster while addressing significant community challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ty’Ran Dixon wrongfully arrested?
Ty’Ran Dixon was wrongfully arrested due to a critical failure in the investigation that led to misidentification. Evidence indicated he was not the suspect originally identified in the murder of Jasmine Roach.
What are the main claims in Dixon’s lawsuit?
The lawsuit claims that the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement officials acted on flawed information that resulted in Dixon’s wrongful arrest and subsequent incarceration without following up on evidence that could have exonerated him.
How long did Dixon spend in jail?
Ty’Ran Dixon spent 67 days in jail before being exonerated and released.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Ty’Ran Dixon |
| Duration in Jail | 67 days |
| Affiliated Institution | Newberry College |
| Crime Timeline | Murder of Jasmine Roach in October 2023, arrest in August 2024 |
| Physical Evidence | Misidentification due to weight disparity |
| Upcoming Newberry Football Season | Starts September 6, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Former Newberry College Football Player Files Second Lawsuit Over Wrongful Arrest
- Newberry Observer: Key Takeaways from Newberry College Football Spring Game
- The State: Newberry College Football News
- Wikipedia: Newberry College
- Google Search: Newberry College football
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.
