Rock Hill Teen Sentenced to 20 Years for Lake Wylie Shooting
Rock Hill, SC – In a courtroom filled with emotion on Friday, a 19-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the shooting death of an unarmed man on the shore of Lake Wylie last summer.
Zi’Quavious Jkwon La’Travis Caldwell was charged in connection with the death of Terron “T.J.” Hubert, a 20-year-old resident of Clover. The tragic incident occurred on June 5, 2022, where Hubert was found shot five times near a gazebo along the popular lakeside area.
Details of the Case
Initially charged with murder, Caldwell’s plea deal was accepted by Judge Dan Hall, who presided over the York County criminal court. Prosecutor John Anthony explained that this plea was part of an arrangement following a two-month investigation during which detectives struggled to identify any suspects.
Authorities arrested Caldwell on August 6, 2022, after they received a tip linking him to the homicide. At that time, Caldwell was 17 years old and claimed he did not know Hubert. However, it was revealed that the fatal encounter stemmed from a dispute involving a girl, which led to the shooting. Caldwell initially misled police by asserting he was a witness before ultimately admitting his involvement in the crime.
Community Impact and Sentencing
The courtroom was filled with emotional testimonies from Hubert’s family and friends during the sentencing hearing. Many expressed their grief and disbelief over the loss of Hubert, highlighting his gentle nature and respect for others. Hubert’s mother, Quadrena Adams, urged the judge to impose a stricter sentence, noting that murder convictions in South Carolina typically carry a minimum of 30 years.
“You made a reckless, life-altering choice,” Adams told Caldwell, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of his actions. Caldwell, visibly remorseful, took responsibility for his actions. “I’m just sorry for everything,” he said during the proceedings.
Legal Consequences
Caldwell’s attorney, Phil Smith, explained that the decision to plead guilty was a form of accepting responsibility. He highlighted Caldwell’s wish to undo the past if given the chance. As part of his sentence, Caldwell was credited for the 839 days spent in jail since his arrest.
The tragic death of Terron Hubert serves as a reminder of the impact of violence in the community, and the courtroom’s emotional atmosphere underlined the pain experienced by those left behind. This case has left a lasting mark on the family, friends, and residents of the Lake Wylie area.
Ongoing Investigations
The York County Sheriff’s Office had originally called for public assistance in the investigation shortly after the murder. They requested information regarding possible witnesses who may have been near Quigley Park on the night of the shooting. Despite the eventual arrest of Caldwell, the community continues to grapple with the consequences of the crime.
As the courtroom emptied, the contrasting sentiments of relief for a resolution and sorrow for the loss of life were palpable among those who attended the hearing.
