A quiet evening in Darlington County, South Carolina, turned deadly when Dylan Larymore was fatally shot on Candy Lane on the night of Wednesday, February 15, 2025. Authorities responded swiftly to the scene, where they later confirmed Larymore’s death. As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement officials identified Jeffery Daniel Booker as the primary suspect in the shooting.

Booker was arrested shortly thereafter and is currently being held at the Darlington County Detention Center, facing murder charges. Officials have yet to release further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing.

The Incident on Candy Lane

According to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to Candy Lane after receiving 911 calls reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found Dylan Larymore suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Larymore was pronounced dead at the scene.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., authorities provided an update confirming that the scene had been secured and that the Darlington County Coroner’s Office, led by Todd Hardee, was handling the official identification and forensic analysis. Coroner Hardee later confirmed Larymore’s identity and ruled the death as a homicide caused by gunshot wounds.

The Investigation and Arrest of Jeffery Daniel Booker

As detectives processed the crime scene and gathered evidence, they worked diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Through witness statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage, investigators identified Jeffery Daniel Booker as the primary suspect in Larymore’s killing.

Shortly after his identification, Booker was arrested and taken into custody. He was later booked into the Darlington County Detention Center, where he faces charges of murder. At this time, police have not disclosed whether additional charges may be forthcoming or if a motive has been established.

Authorities have not yet revealed the relationship between Booker and Larymore, nor have they confirmed whether the shooting was premeditated or a result of an altercation. Investigators continue to work on gathering further evidence and are encouraging witnesses to come forward.

Community Reactions and Family Statements

The sudden and tragic loss of Dylan Larymore has left the Darlington County community in shock. Friends and family members took to social media to express their grief, remembering Larymore as a kind-hearted individual who was loved by many.

While Larymore’s family has not yet released an official statement, sources close to them have described the heartbreak they are experiencing. One family friend shared:

“Dylan was full of life, and he didn’t deserve this. We just want justice for him.”

Meanwhile, residents in the Candy Lane area expressed concern over the violence, with some stating that they heard gunshots before authorities arrived. Others described seeing a heavy police presence in the hours following the shooting.

Law Enforcement’s Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that this case remains an active and ongoing investigation. Law enforcement officials are working closely with forensic specialists to analyze ballistic evidence, potential surveillance footage, and any digital communications that might shed light on the events leading up to the shooting.

Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information about the case to contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

As the investigation continues, legal experts have weighed in on what lies ahead for Jeffery Daniel Booker. Given that he has been charged with murder, his case will likely go through a lengthy judicial process, including:

1. Preliminary Hearings – where the prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause.
2. Possible Bail Hearing – determining whether Booker will be granted bail or remain in custody.
3. Indictment Process – if prosecutors secure a grand jury indictment, Booker will proceed to trial.
4. Trial Proceedings – if the case is not resolved through a plea deal, it will go to court, where prosecutors must prove Booker’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Legal analysts suggest that if convicted of murder, Booker could face a life sentence without parole, depending on the severity of the charges and potential aggravating factors.

Patterns of Gun Violence in Darlington County

The fatal shooting of Dylan Larymore is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, Darlington County has witnessed an increase in violent crimes, with gun-related homicides becoming a growing concern for local law enforcement.

A recent crime report from the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office highlighted that firearms were involved in more than 70% of homicide cases in the past year. Authorities have attributed the rise in violence to gang activity, personal disputes, and access to illegal firearms.

Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Marcus Thompson commented on the recent shooting, saying:

“We take violent crimes very seriously, and we are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. Our detectives are working around the clock to gather evidence and build a strong case against the suspect.”

Community Efforts to Curb Violence

In response to the rise in shootings, local officials and community leaders have been advocating for stronger crime prevention strategies. Efforts include:

• Increased law enforcement patrols in high-crime areas.
• Gun buyback programs to remove illegal weapons from the streets.
• Community outreach initiatives aimed at conflict resolution and youth intervention.

Local activist Angela Simmons, who leads a grassroots organization against gun violence, spoke about the tragic loss of Larymore:

“It’s heartbreaking to see another young life lost to gun violence. We need to come together as a community and find ways to stop these senseless killings before another family has to suffer.”

Awaiting Further Developments

As Jeffery Daniel Booker remains in custody and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have yet to disclose whether additional suspects were involved, what led to the shooting, or whether the weapon used in the crime has been recovered.

For now, the case remains under active investigation, and law enforcement is expected to release further details as new evidence emerges.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact:

📞 Darlington County Sheriff’s Office: [Official Contact Information]
📞 Crime Stoppers (Anonymous Tips): [Hotline Number]

The Darlington community continues to mourn the loss of Dylan Larymore, while many hope that justice will be served as the case against Jeffery Daniel Booker moves forward.