September 9, 2025

Chapin Man Arrested for Murder and Kidnapping in Newberry

Newberry, South Carolina, September 9, 2025

News Summary

A shocking incident in Newberry has led to the arrest of David Ray Clark, a 53-year-old man from Chapin, on multiple charges including murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The police were called to College Park Apartments where they discovered a deceased man, Dexter Tobias Gary, and learned that a woman and child were forcibly taken. Authorities acted swiftly, recovering the victims safely. The community is now left to process the aftermath of this violent event.

Newberry, South Carolina – A Chapin man has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping, following a shocking shooting incident that unfolded in Newberry. David Ray Clark, 53, was taken into custody after a police investigation led to a scene of violence that took place on the night of Thursday, September 4.

The Newberry Police Department received emergency calls early on Friday morning, September 5, regarding a shooting at College Park Apartments. Upon entering the apartment, officers discovered a deceased man, identified as 53-year-old Dexter Tobias Gary, Sr. from Pomaria, who had succumbed to a gunshot wound.

As investigators pieced together the events, they learned that a woman and child had also been forcibly taken from the scene in a vehicle. Swift action by law enforcement officials, supported by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, led to the discovery of Clark and the kidnapped victims in Chapin. Fortunately, the authorities were able to recover the victims safely, returning them to Newberry.

Clark faces serious charges including:

Murder
Two counts of kidnapping
Armed robbery
Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of certain crimes
Unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm

Following his arrest, David Ray Clark was transported to the Newberry County Detention Center to await further legal proceedings. The investigation surrounding this incident has involved collaboration between several law enforcement agencies, with Chief Kevin Goodman praising the coordination between the Newberry Police Department, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Lexington County investigators.

Authorities have also confirmed that the Newberry County Coroner’s Office has officially ruled the death of Dexter Tobias Gary, Sr. a homicide. In light of the serious nature of this situation, citizens with any additional information are urged to contact Midlands Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or reach out to the Newberry Police Department directly.

This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the serious issues of violence and crime that can affect neighborhoods. As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the implications of such a violent event occurring in their area.

FAQs

Who was arrested in connection with the shooting incident in Newberry?

David Ray Clark, a 53-year-old man from Chapin, has been arrested in connection with the shooting and subsequent kidnapping.

What charges is David Ray Clark facing?

Clark faces several charges including murder, two counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm.

What details are known about the victim?

The victim has been identified as Dexter Tobias Gary, Sr., a 53-year-old resident of Pomaria, who was found dead from a gunshot wound.

Were the kidnapped victims found safely?

Yes, the kidnapped woman and child were located safely by law enforcement and returned to Newberry.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Description
Occurrence	Newberry, South Carolina
Arrested Individual	David Ray Clark, 53
Victim	Dexter Tobias Gary, Sr., 53
Date of Incident	September 4, 2023
Charges	Murder, two counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, etc.
Law Enforcement Involved	Newberry Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office
Outcome for Kidnapped Victims	Returned safely to Newberry