Clinton SC, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The community of Clinton, SC, is in anguish following the suspicious deaths of two young athletes, Zarius “Zay” Hurley and Kaden Moses. Their families are demanding accountability from law enforcement as they navigate their tragic cases, raising concerns about public safety in the area. With evidence suggesting foul play, residents express fears regarding the handling of these investigations and are motivated to pursue justice for the young lives lost. Fundraising efforts are underway to support the affected families as the community stands united in seeking answers.
Clinton, SC – The community of Clinton, South Carolina, is grappling with the recent suspicious deaths of two young local athletes, Zarius “Zay” Hurley, 17, and Kaden Moses, 14. These tragedies have prompted the families and residents to seek justice while raising concerns over local law enforcement’s handling of the cases.
Zay Hurley was found dead on April 4, 2024, during a standoff incident in Clinton. In connection with Zay’s death, 24-year-old Elliot Brown was arrested but subsequently released on bond, leaving many questioning the investigation’s integrity. The Hurley family has announced a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction related to Zay’s death.
In addition to Zay’s case, Kaden Moses suffered a tragic fate when he was shot in the head with a .243 bolt-action rifle at home on December 30, 2023. Initially treated as a suicide, Kaden’s death was later ruled a homicide by the Laurens County Coroner’s office after the investigation revealed inconsistencies in the circumstances surrounding his passing. Witnesses reported suspicious behavior by a friend of Kaden, known as “Henry,” who allegedly changed clothes immediately following the shooting.
Henry, who reportedly expressed concern over his fingerprints being found on the bullet, was never tested for gunshot residue nor thoroughly investigated by law enforcement. Despite notable evidence suggesting Henry might have pulled the trigger, Solicitor David Stumbo declined to press charges in Kaden’s case. At the time of the incident, Kaden was reportedly engaged in video games and communicating with his girlfriend when the gunshot was heard.
The deaths of both young men have heightened community fears over public safety and the accountability of local law enforcement. The recent death of KJ Adams, a 20-year-old Clinton High School graduate, adds to these concerns, as his case is also under investigation by the same office handling the cases of Zay and Kaden. The connection between these cases has intensified scrutiny on Solicitor Stumbo, especially as he has announced ambitions for higher office.
Families affected by these unsolved cases question the influence of South Carolina’s new open carry law on the rise of unsolved murders in the state. In the wake of these incidents, Crime and Cask News has been actively reporting and investigating to hold authorities accountable for the families affected by these tragedies.
In an effort to assist Kaden Moses’ family with funeral expenses and other costs related to pursuing justice, a GoFundMe page has been established. Community members are encouraged to come forward with any information regarding the cases involving Zay Hurley, Kaden Moses, or KJ Adams to aid in the pursuit of accountability and justice.
FAQ
What were the circumstances surrounding Zay Hurley’s death?
Zay Hurley was found dead on April 4, 2024, during a standoff incident in Clinton. A 24-year-old named Elliot Brown was arrested in connection to Zay’s death but was later released on bond.
How was Kaden Moses killed?
Kaden Moses was shot in the head with a .243 bolt-action rifle at home on December 30, 2023. His death was initially treated as a suicide but later ruled a homicide by the Laurens County Coroner.
What actions have been taken by the families of the deceased?
The Hurley family has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Zay’s case, while a GoFundMe page has been established to assist Kaden Moses’ family with funeral expenses and other costs associated with pursuing justice.
What has the local community done in response to these incidents?
Community members are encouraged to contact law enforcement with any information related to the cases involving Zay Hurley, Kaden Moses, and KJ Adams to aid in the pursuit of accountability and justice.
Key Features of the Cases
| Feature | Zay Hurley | Kaden Moses |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 17 | 14 |
| Date of Incident | April 4, 2024 | December 30, 2023 |
| Initial Ruling | Suspicious circumstances | Initially a suicide, later ruled a homicide |
| Arrests Made | Elliot Brown (released on bond) | Not applicable, no charges pressed |
| Community Response | $1,000 reward offered | GoFundMe for funeral expenses established |
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Additional Resources
- Crime and Cask: Unsolved Murders of Teens in Clinton, SC
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
- GoLaurens: Shooting Incident in Clinton
- Google Search: Clinton SC shootings
- My Clinton News: Death Investigation in Lydia Mill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- WYFF4: Boil Water Advisory in Clinton, SC
- Google News: Unsolved Murder Clinton South Carolina
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.
