What to Know
McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby proudly opened his home to foster children in South Carolina. Officials placed 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry in Hamby’s care for a brief time as he awaited transfer to another home. Tragically, Lowry died on July 20, 2026, after two other teenage boys living with Hamby allegedly killed him. Police in Modoc reportedly arrested 17-year-old Landen Moore and another teenager accused of drowning Lowry following a physical altercation. Now Lowry’s family wants justice for the young teen.
The teenagers allegedly began to fight on a boat dock.
According to court documents released by the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office, Lowry, Moore, and the third teenager allegedly began to fight on a boat dock located in McCormick County. During the argument, Lowry reportedly suffered “lacerations” from a knife.
Following the altercation, Moore and the unnamed teen “did unlawfully, intentionally, and with malice aforethought, either expressed or implied murdered Daryl Lowry by holding him underwater until he became deceased. This belief is based upon statements and evidence obtained during the investigation,” per the probable cause affidavit.
Police arrested Moore on murder charges and booked him in theMcCormick County Detention Center. Officers took the 16-year-old to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. His charges remain unclear.
Lowry was the subject of a missing child report not long before his death.
Per the Augusta Press, about a month before his death, Lowry became the subject of a missing child report. The Chester Police Department reportedly asked for help finding Lowry on June 12. It’s unclear if his placement in foster care had anything to do with the previous report. Hamby served as a foster parent in the community for years before Lowry’s death. He once told the Index Journal just how important fostering teens became to his life.
“I never had my own children, so there was interest there in making changes in some kids’ lives,” Hamby said. “The main thing that got me interested in becoming a foster parent in McCormick is that there are none.”
He has not publicly commented on Lowry’s death.
Lowry’s family wants justice for the 13-year-old.
His aunt, Dutchess Lowry, shared a photo of her nephew on Facebook along with a pledge to ensure his death was not in vain.
“I love you my sweet nephew WE WILL GET JUSTICE you didn’t deserve this DONT NO CHILD DESERVE THIS until we meet again,” she wrote. “I will definitely keep your name alive Daryl the 3rd keep me and my family in y’all’s prayers please I’m so lost.”
Another aunt, Zyon Simpson, created a GoFundMe to help raise money for Lowry’s final expenses.
“He was an amazing child full of life, love, and charisma. He loved his parents, family, and friends, and he always wore a smile. Unfortunately because of his untimely and unexpected passing we, his family are in need of financial support. Whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated, and if you are financially unable we accept your love and prayers,” Simpson wrote. “Thank you all for everything.”
READ NEXT: I’m a Single Mom & ‘Foster Care Was Written in the Stars for Me’
