Chapin, September 10, 2025
News Summary
David Ray Clark, 53, from Chapin, South Carolina, faces serious charges including murder and kidnapping after a violent incident at College Park Apartments. Authorities responded to reports of a shooting and a kidnapping involving a woman and child. The victims were later found safe, while Clark was apprehended and is now held without bond in Newberry County Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in uncovering further details surrounding the case.
Chapin, South Carolina – Violent Crime Spree Leads to Murder and Kidnapping Charges
David Ray Clark, a 53-year-old resident of Chapin, South Carolina, has been charged with a series of violent offenses, including murder and kidnapping, following a troubling incident that unfolded on the night of September 4, 2025, and continued into the morning of September 5.
Authorities responded to a distress call reporting a shooting and a woman and child being forced into a vehicle at the College Park Apartment complex in Newberry. Officers gained entry into an apartment where they discovered the deceased body of Dexter Tobias Gary Sr., also 53, from Pomaria, South Carolina. Gary was found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece.
Clark faces multiple charges, including two counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted individual, and unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm. Following the initial reports, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department assisted local police in locating Clark and the kidnapped victims.
The woman and child abducted during the incident were safely found, and Clark was apprehended in Chapin, South Carolina. He has since been transported back to Newberry, where he has been denied bond and is currently held in the Newberry County Detention Center. The condition of the kidnapping victims has not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities have not released details regarding Clark’s relationship with the victims, nor the motive behind the shooting incident. The investigation is ongoing and involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Newberry Police Department, Newberry County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
Newberry Police Chief Kevin Goodman has urged anyone with further information related to the case to come forward and contact the police department or reach out to Crime Stoppers. As this violent crime spree continues to be investigated across various counties in South Carolina, law enforcement remains vigilant in ensuring the safety of the community.
Charges Against David Ray Clark
- Murder
- Two counts of kidnapping
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain crimes
- Armed robbery
- Unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm
Investigation Overview
The ongoing investigation is a collaborative effort, with key agencies working together to gather facts and evidence surrounding the violent nature of the crimes. No additional details regarding potential motives or relationships among those involved have been disclosed at this time.
FAQs
What charges is David Ray Clark facing?
Clark is facing multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, among others.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at the College Park Apartment complex in Newberry, South Carolina.
Were the kidnapping victims found?
Yes, the woman and child who were kidnapped were later found safe.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing and involves several law enforcement agencies in South Carolina.
Is David Ray Clark out on bail?
No, Clark has been denied bond and is currently being held in the Newberry County Detention Center.
Chart: Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 4-5, 2025 |
| Suspect | David Ray Clark, 53 |
| Victim | Dexter Tobias Gary Sr., 53 |
| Charges | Murder, two counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, others |
| Status | In custody; denied bond |
| Location | College Park Apartment complex, Newberry |
| Investigation Involvement | Newberry Police Department, SLED, others |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chapin Man Charged with Murder and Kidnapping in Newberry
Chapin Man Arrested for Homicide and Kidnapping in Newberry
Chapin Man Charged with Murder and Kidnapping in Newberry Incident
Chapin Man Arrested for Murder and Kidnapping in Newberry
Gruesome Stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail Train Sparks Outrage
Tragic Incident on North Carolina Train Shakes Community
New Trials Ordered for Former Memphis Police Officers
Brutal Assault in Chapin Leads to Arrest in Georgia
Families of Idaho Murder Victims Sue Over Crime Scene Photo Release
President Trump Advocates for Nationwide Law Enforcement Expansion
Additional Resources
- The State: Violent Crime Incident
- Wikipedia: Crime in South Carolina
- WIS TV: Newberry Shooting and Kidnapping
- Google Search: Newberry, South Carolina crime
- ABC Columbia: Kidnapping and Murder Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- WLTX: Newberry County Shooting Details
- Google News: David Ray Clark Newberry
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.
