Athens Man Receives 50-Year Sentence for Murder at South Carolina Concert

Athens Man Sentenced to Half-a-Century in Prison for Murder during S.C. Concert

An Athens-based man, identified as Jarquez Kezavion Cooper, has received a 50-year prison sentence following a guilty verdict in a murder trial tied to a fatal shooting at a music concert in Greenville, South Carolina.

Murder Conviction and Acquittal

Greenville County Circuit Court Judge Darrell Fisher delivered the sentence to the 24-year-old Cooper for the violent crime resulting in the death of Mykala Bell, a local mother-of-two who was in attendance at a July 4, 2020, concert featuring rapper Foogiano. Nevertheless, the jury acquitted Cooper regarding the murder charge for the death of Clarence Sterling Johnson Jr., a 51-year old from Duncan, South Carolina, who had been performing security duties at the scene of the crime, Lavish Lounge on Whitehall Road.

Dismissed Charges

In the aftermath of the trial, eight additional criminal charges against Cooper, such as attempted murder, were dismissed due to “prosecutorial discretion,” as per court records filed with the Greenville Clerk of Court. The quarrel, which allegedly stemmed from gang-related disagreements, led to the permanent closure of the Lavish Lounge and put an end to its nightlife operations.

Victims and Injuries

Individuals affected by the shooting, ranging in age from 21 to 51, included six victims who required immediate hospitalization following the severity of their injuries. The weeklong trial that held the world in suspense ended with a verdict on Friday.

Suspected Gang Dispute

According to sources from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Cooper was a member of the crew working for rapper Foogiano, formally known as Kwame Khalil Brown, and was implicated in the alleged gang dispute that lead to the shooting. Foogiano, a Greensboro, Georgia native, did not face charges in relation to this event, yet has previously served a prison sentence for tampering with evidence.

Complex Proceedings and Verdict

The solicitor’s office, the body responsible for prosecuting the Cooper case, reportedly deemed the complex nature of the case as the reason for the mixed outcome. Court-presented videos documenting the chaotic event were reportedly too dark and obscured to clearly identify individuals brandishing weapons and firing into the crowd. This particular difficulty introduced substantial hurdles in the attribution of responsibility and the determination of guilt.


HERE Spartanburg

Recent Posts

Spartanburg Sees Highest Election Turnout in 32 Years Amid National Political Shakeup

Spartanburg Witnesses Record Election Turnout and Political Shakeup Good citizens of Spartanburg, it's time for…

13 hours ago

Spartanburg’s Fashion Trends Tuesday Features Zuri T’s Boutique and Winter Essentials

Greetings from Spartanburg! Hello everyone! It's another terrific Tuesday, and just in time for our…

13 hours ago

Legal Backlash: Former Spartanburg Guidance Counselor Files Lawsuit Against Sheriff’s Office for Negligence and Defamation

Legal Backlash: Spartanburg Guidance Counselor Sues Sheriff's Office On a day where the city of…

13 hours ago

Anderson and Spartanburg Counties Celebrate Election Victories and Changes in Political Landscape

Anderson and Spartanburg Counties Declare Election Results A significant night in Anderson and Spartanburg counties…

13 hours ago

Hilltop Fire District in Spartanburg Secures Voter Approval for Key Facility Upgrades and Tax Increase

Hilltop Fire District Celebrates Voters' Thumbs Up for Essential Facility Upgrades in Spartanburg Happy news…

13 hours ago

Spartanburg Introduces New Holiday Pop-up Shop Featuring Nothing Bundt Cakes

Spartanburg Welcomes a New Pop-up Shop For The Holiday Season Good day sweet-tooths and fans…

13 hours ago