News Summary
Three men from New Jersey have been sentenced to 30 years in prison for their involvement in a reckless shooting incident in Lexington County, SC, that left one person critically injured. The brutal act, stemming from a mistaken identity during a revenge plot, highlights the dire consequences of violence and its ripple effects on communities.
Trio from New Jersey Sentenced for a Shocking Act of Violence in South Carolina
In a gripping tale of loss and justice, three men from New Jersey have been handed down serious sentences for their roles in a case that shook Lexington County, South Carolina. The trio—Vernon Jenkins, Altariq Cole, and Dyshawn Hines—now face 30 years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder due to a reckless act of violence that left one person critically injured and another lucky to walk away unharmed.
Trial and Sentencing
After a tumultuous five-day trial that wrapped up on April 11, 2025, a jury found these men guilty of their heinous actions. The presiding Circuit Court Judge, Diane S. Goodstein, delivered the sentences, which are set to run concurrently, meaning they will serve their time together without any chance of parole. It’s a significant statement against the wave of violence that seems to be troubling communities everywhere.
The Incident
The chaotic shooting incident unfolded on February 20, 2023, outside the Country Inn & Suites located on Piney Grove Road. The three men mistakenly targeted two innocent victims who were simply parked in their car. In a shocking turn of events, the defendants surrounded the vehicle, demanding the occupants to exit. But when these victims refused, chaos erupted—multiple gunmen opened fire.
In a horrifying twist, one victim bore the brunt of the attack, getting shot five times yet shockingly managing to survive. The second occupant escaped without injury but is undoubtedly left with the mental scars of such a traumatic encounter.
Behind the Violence: A Drink Gone Wrong
So, what drove these men to commit such a brazen act of violence? On the surface, it was reportedly an act of revenge for a drug robbery that had taken place just a day earlier. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Hines, one of the co-defendants, had been previously robbed of drugs he was peddling on behalf of Jenkins. Fueled by a desire for retaliation, the group devised a plan to strike back, ultimately misidentifying their targets.
Tragically, the victims chosen had absolutely no connection to the robbery; their only crime was driving a vehicle resembling that of the actual thieves. It’s a stark reminder of how easily misunderstandings can lead to devastating consequences.
Community Impact
The ripple effects of this incident extend far beyond just the individuals involved. Community members in Lexington County are left grappling with questions about safety and justice. With all three men sentenced to serve time, hopefully, it provides some sense of closure to the victims and a stern warning to those who might think that violence is a solution to their problems.
As time moves forward and the community begins to heal, it remains imperative for everyone to come together to support one another. This case serves as a wake-up call not only to the transformative power of violence but also to the importance of dialogue and understanding in preventing future confrontations.
Remember, folks, violence doesn’t solve problems; it often just creates more. Let’s hope that stories like this inspire conversations about peace and resolution in our communities.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Trio from New Jersey Sentenced
- The State: New Jersey Men Sentenced
- WACH: Lexington County Man Sentenced
- MSN: Lexington County Man Sentenced
- WIS TV: Columbiana Centre Mass Shooting
- Wikipedia: Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
