HARTSVILLE, S.C. — A man who was out on bond for multiple charges, including attempted murder, is dead after allegedly pulling a gun on victims who originally planned to sell a motorcycle to him in a South Carolina town.
According to the Hartsville Police Department, officers responded to Byerly Park around 8:30 p.m. regarding a shooting. An investigation found that two men, Jeremiah Josey and his brother, Jarivion Scott, went to the location after allegedly luring the victims there under the pretense of buying a motorcycle the victims were selling on Facebook Marketplace.
Authorities said Josey pulled a long gun on three victims. Police said one of those victims, who was legally armed, drew a handgun and fired several rounds at Josey. Police said Scott ran from the scene. Emergency personnel took Josey to Carolina Pines. He was later taken to McLeod Health Hospital, where he died.
Hartsville Police Chief Byron Snellgrove said in a provided statement that both Josey and Scott were out on bond for previous arrests. Authorities said Josey was under monitored house arrest for two incidents in 2022. One led to charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and possession of a deadly weapon during a violent crime by the Hartsville Police Department and the other to charges of attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of a deadly weapon during a violent crime by the Darlington County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities said Scott was out on bond for a 2023 incident that led to multiple charges from the Hartsville Police Department, including possession of deadly weapons, armed robbery, pointing and presenting a firearm and criminal conspiracy, among others. He has since been arrested again and is in the Darlington County jail on charges of armed robbery, attempted murder, weapons violations and criminal conspiracy. Police said he may also face additional charges for the death of his brother.
“Let me first say that my heart goes out to the family of the deceased. Losing a family member under any circumstance is a very devastating thing.” Chief Snellgrove said in a provided statement. “This was a senseless act of violence that should have never happened. Both suspects were out on bond for violent crimes when they should have still been incarcerated while awaiting trial.”
He added that while buying items sold online is common, buyers and sellers should take precautions to protect themselves, including not giving out personal information, verifying users and looking for strong ratings, meeting in well-lit, populated locations, preferably during the day, bringing someone else along and keeping a cell phone ready to dial 911 if necessary.
Police said that if someone feels wrong, leave and call 911 if anything illegal or suspicious occurs.
