News Summary
The families of Zarius ‘Zay’ Hurley and Kaden Moses are seeking justice for their unsolved murders, highlighting concerns over law enforcement’s handling of these cases. Zay was found dead in a standoff, while Kaden’s death was ruled a homicide despite initial labeling as a suicide. Both families are frustrated with the lack of progress and have initiated a GoFundMe for legal fees as they continue to seek answers.
Clinton, SC – Families Demand Justice in Unsolved Murders of Young Athletes Zay Hurley and Kaden Moses
The families of Zarius “Zay” Hurley, 17, and Kaden Moses, 14, are calling for accountability in the unsolved murders of their loved ones. Both boys were promising athletes from Clinton High School, and their deaths have sparked outrage in the community, highlighting concerns over law enforcement’s effectiveness in investigating these tragic incidents.
Zay Hurley was found dead on April 4, 2024, during a standoff incident in Clinton. Authorities arrested 24-year-old Elliot Brown in connection with Zay’s death; however, he was released on bond shortly after. In response to the lack of progress in Zay’s case, the Hurley family has offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Kaden Moses was fatally shot in the head with a .243 bolt-action rifle at home on December 30, 2023. Initially treated as a suicide, Kaden’s death has since been ruled a homicide by the Laurens County Coroner. The death certificate details that Kaden was shot by another person, with the bullet entering the left side of his head and exiting the top right. Reports indicate that Kaden was on the phone with his girlfriend and playing video games with a friend identified as “Henry” when he was shot.
Several witnesses reported that “Henry” changed clothes shortly after the shooting, allegedly with assistance from his mother and sister. A neighbor also recounted that Henry mentioned, “My fingerprints are on the bullet,” before fleeing in a car. Despite these claims, Henry was never tested for gunshot residue, and his DNA or fingerprints were not collected. He was also not interviewed for several weeks following the incident. When questioned, Henry invoked his Fifth Amendment rights.
In mid-2024, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) officially closed Kaden’s case without any charges against Henry. The handling of this case, alongside the circumstances surrounding Zay’s death, has drawn criticism toward Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, who has been questioned about the indecision regarding Henry’s involvement.
Additionally, another case of concern involves KJ Adams, a 20-year-old Clinton High School graduate who died under questionable circumstances on November 29, 2023. This case is also under the jurisdiction of the same solicitor’s office, raising alarms about the thoroughness of investigations in the area.
The families of Zay and Kaden, along with the wider community, have expressed frustration with the local law enforcement efforts, stating that they deserve answers concerning the deaths of their loved ones. The recent passage of South Carolina’s open carry law in 2024 has further fueled debates about its potential impact on rising murder rates within the state.
In a collaborative effort to seek justice, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist Kaden Moses’s family with funeral expenses and legal fees as they pursue accountability. Meanwhile, the Crime and Cask News network is actively investigating the cases, aiming to uncover new evidence and ensure justice is served.
Despite the hurdles they face, both families remain undeterred in their quest, emphasizing that they will continue to seek justice until answers are provided regarding the deaths of Zay Hurley and Kaden Moses.
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Clinton, SC Families Demand Justice for Unsolved Deaths
Additional Resources
- Crime and Cask: Unsolved Murders of Teens in Clinton, SC
- GoLaurens: Clinton Women’s Boutique Burglary
- Fox Carolina: Police Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found
- WYFF4: Death Investigation Underway in Laurens County, SC
- WRDW: Missing 18-Year-Old Found Dead After Not Showing Up to Work
- Wikipedia: Unsolved Murder
- Google Search: Clinton SC Murders
- Google Scholar: Clinton SC Crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Google News: Clinton South Carolina Deaths
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.
