News Summary
Families in Clinton, SC, are demanding justice for two young athletes, Zay Hurley and Kaden Moses, whose deaths remain unsolved. Hurley was found dead in a standoff, while Moses was initially ruled a suicide before being reclassified as a homicide. Both cases have raised concerns about local law enforcement’s effectiveness and have sparked community outrage. Families are working to gather support for investigations and advocate for their loved ones, seeking answers and accountability in the face of tragic loss.
Clinton, SC Families Demand Justice for Unsolved Deaths of Young Athletes
Families in Clinton, South Carolina, are calling for justice in the unsolved deaths of two local young athletes, Zarius “Zay” Hurley, 17, and Kaden Moses, 14. Both boys were well-regarded students and dedicated athletes at Clinton High School, with aspirations cut short by tragic circumstances.
Zay Hurley was found dead on April 4, 2024, during a standoff incident involving law enforcement. A 24-year-old man named Elliot Brown was arrested in connection with the case but was later released on bond. The Hurley family has since offered a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction related to Zay’s death. Despite his bright future and kind nature, the investigation surrounding Zay’s death has reportedly stalled.
Kaden Moses was fatally shot in the head with a .243 bolt-action rifle on December 30, 2023, while gaming with a friend at his home. Initially deemed a suicide, local authorities later reclassified Kaden’s death as a homicide following a coroner’s review. This determination was based on evidence that suggested he was shot by another individual rather than self-inflicted injury.
At the time of Kaden’s death, he was reportedly on the phone with his girlfriend. Witness accounts from the scene noted inconsistencies, including the behavior of Kaden’s friend, Henry, who was present during the incident. Reports indicated that Henry changed his clothing after the shooting and received assistance from family members to leave the scene. Furthermore, a neighbor claimed that Henry made a statement suggesting he had “fingerprints on the bullet” before fleeing to a waiting vehicle.
Despite these disturbing details, law enforcement did not conduct gunshot residue tests on Henry, nor did they collect his fingerprints or DNA until weeks later. Henry invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during police questioning, bringing further complications to the investigation. By mid-2024, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) closed the inquiry into Kaden’s death, and Solicitor David Stumbo announced he would not pursue charges against Henry, which raised significant concerns in the community.
Stumbo’s decision has attracted criticism as he campaigns for the position of South Carolina Attorney General. Community members are increasingly questioning the effectiveness of local law enforcement, especially in light of rising unsolved murder rates and the implications of South Carolina’s recently enacted open carry law.
The investigation into the tragic deaths of Zay and Kaden has extended to another local young man, KJ Adams, a Clinton High School graduate who passed away in November 2023. This has further intensified community concern over safety and justice for young people in the area.
The Hurley and Moses families are resolute in their quest for answers and have stated they will not give up on uncovering the truth regarding the deaths of their loved ones. To assist the Moses family with funeral costs, therapy for Kaden’s siblings, and legal fees in their pursuit of justice, a GoFundMe page has been established.
Additionally, independent investigations are in progress, with some seeking to expose new evidence related to the cases of Zay Hurley, Kaden Moses, and KJ Adams. Efforts are underway to hold accountable those involved in these young men’s tragic deaths, as the Clinton community grapples with the loss of promising lives and seeks resolution.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Clinton, SC Investigates Homicide Cases Amid Community Outcry
Additional Resources
- Unsolved Murders of Teens in Clinton, SC
- One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Death Investigation Underway in Laurens County
- Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found Lying on Road
- Vic’s View: The New Industry
- Wikipedia: Unsolved Murders
- Google Search: Clinton SC unsolved murder
- Google Scholar: Clinton SC teen murders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder (crime)
- Google News: Clinton SC death investigation
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. 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, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
