Clinton SC, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The families of two local teens, Zarius Hurley and Kaden Moses, are calling for justice after their mysterious deaths have sparked community outrage. Zay Hurley’s body was found during a police standoff, while Kaden Moses was fatally shot at home, initially ruled a suicide but later classified as homicide. Community members are rallying for accountability amidst growing concerns over local law enforcement’s handling of unsolved cases, including the families’ joint efforts for investigation and support.
Clinton, SC—The families of Zarius “Zay” Hurley, 17, and Kaden Moses, 14, are demanding justice following the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of these local teens who both had promising athletic futures. The community is rallying behind these families as investigations into the fatalities remain unsolved.
Zay Hurley was discovered deceased during a police standoff on April 4, 2024. The initial arrest of 24-year-old Elliot Brown sparked controversy as he was quickly released on bond. In response, the Hurley family has proactively offered a $1,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest and conviction in Zay’s case. The situation has heightened tensions within the community, with many feeling that justice for Zay remains out of reach.
Meanwhile, Kaden Moses was tragically shot in the head in his home on December 30, 2023. His death was initially labeled a suspected suicide; however, further investigation by the Laurens County Coroner later reclassified the incident as a homicide. The details surrounding Kaden’s death are particularly unsettling, as he was reportedly on a video call with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. The sudden interruption of their conversation, followed by a gunshot, has left many in disbelief.
Witness accounts indicate that a friend named Henry was present during the incident and has faced scrutiny for allegedly tampering with evidence. It has been reported that he changed his clothes post-shooting and made comments hinting at his involvement. Despite these serious claims and evidence suggesting foul play, Henry was not subjected to gunshot residue testing or formally interviewed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for several weeks. The case was eventually closed in mid-2024 by SLED, with Solicitor David Stumbo opting not to press charges against Henry.
The investigations into both Zay’s and Kaden’s deaths have raised broader concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in Clinton. Moreover, the rate of unsolved murders in South Carolina has become alarming. The families of the deceased feel compelled to question the integrity and efficiency of the investigations underway.
As community members join forces to demand accountability, a GoFundMe page has been initiated to help the Moses family with funeral expenses and therapy for Kaden’s siblings. The public anguish and frustration have led to collective calls for justice not only for Zay and Kaden but also for another local youth, KJ Adams, a 20-year-old Clinton graduate whose death has similarly raised red flags.
Despite the daunting challenges ahead, the families are unified in their commitment, asserting that they will continue their pursuit of justice for their loved ones. The ongoing struggle not only reflects a quest for closure for the grieving families but also highlights the critical need for effective responses to violent crimes in South Carolina.
FAQ
- What happened to Zay Hurley?
Zay Hurley was found dead during a police standoff on April 4, 2024. Elliot Brown was arrested in connection with his death but was subsequently released on bond. - What are the details regarding Kaden Moses’s death?
Kaden Moses was shot in the head at home on December 30, 2023. His death was initially ruled a suspected suicide but was later classified as a homicide by the coroner. - Who is Henry, and what role did he play in Kaden’s death?
A friend named Henry was present during Kaden’s shooting and has been implicated in tampering with evidence. However, he has not been tested for gunshot residue despite witness accounts suggesting his involvement. - What actions are the families taking regarding the deaths of Zay and Kaden?
The Hurley family has offered a reward for information regarding Zay’s death, while community members are calling for investigations into both cases. A GoFundMe has also been set up to support the Moses family with funeral expenses. - Are there concerns regarding law enforcement’s response to these cases?
Yes, there are significant concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of local law enforcement, with rising rates of unsolved murders in South Carolina prompting community outrage.
Key Features of the Cases
| Feature | Zay Hurley | Kaden Moses |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 17 | 14 |
| Date of Incident | April 4, 2024 | December 30, 2023 |
| Cause of Death Classification | Under investigation (homicide suspicion) | Initially suspected suicide, later classified as homicide |
| Suspect Arrest | Yes (Elliot Brown, released on bond) | No (Henry present, not charged) |
| Community Support Actions | Reward offered for information | GoFundMe initiated for funeral costs |
| Law Enforcement Response Criticism | Yes | Yes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Crime and Cask: Unsolved Murders of Teens in Clinton, SC
- Wikipedia: Murder in South Carolina
- GoLaurens: Clinton Women’s Boutique Burglary
- Google Search: Clinton SC unsolved murder
- WYFF4: Death Investigation Underway in Laurens County, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- My Clinton News: Vic’s View – The New Industry
- Google News: South Carolina murder rates
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.
