News Summary
Significant progress has been made in the investigation of the murder of 32-year-old Heyward ‘Trey’ Delno Price III, whose tragic death shocked the Pickens County community. Three suspects, including Jay’Kwon Tajeek Walker, Shyheen Jaquan Taylor, and Roydarius Devontae Simpson, have been arrested in connection with the case. Walker’s DNA linked him to the crime scene, while the others are charged related to the robbery and subsequent homicide that occurred in front of Price’s young children.
Pickens County, South Carolina – The 2021 murder case of Heyward “Trey” Delno Price III has seen significant developments following the recent arrests of three suspects linked to the tragic incident. Price, a 32-year-old single father, was found dead at his home on Shade Tree Circle on May 10, 2021, while his two young children were asleep just feet away.
In July 2023, authorities arrested 24-year-old Jay’Kwon Tajeek Walker from Clinton, who was initially charged with murder. Investigators connected Walker to Price’s homicide through DNA evidence analyzed from the crime scene, which matched blood found on the victim’s body. Walker’s alleged involvement in the crime was indicated in the arrest warrant, stating that he “acted in concert” with others to rob Price of drugs.
Further developments occurred on June 13, 2025, when two additional suspects were charged with murder. Shyheen Jaquan Taylor, also from Clinton, and Roydarius Devontae Simpson from Laurens faced charges in connection with Price’s death. The investigation revealed that Walker and his accomplices traveled from Laurens County to Price’s residence with the intention to commit a robbery, forcibly entering the home by kicking down the door at approximately 1:30 a.m.
During the attempted robbery, Price put up a fight, which tragically led to him being shot twice — once in the shoulder and once in the head. Initial reports indicated that Walker sustained injuries during the confrontation as well. Following his arrest, Walker pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and burglary, with his sentencing delayed pending the outcomes related to his co-defendants.
Current information indicates that Taylor is in custody in Laurens on separate charges and awaits extradition to Pickens County. Simpson has turned himself in and is currently being held without bond. The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with further information to come forward.
The case has been a significant focus for local law enforcement and the community, particularly given the nature of the crime and the fact that two young children were in such proximity to the violent incident. This tragic event highlights ongoing issues surrounding drug-related crimes and home invasions that impact families across the United States.
Authorities have maintained that the case is still active, and the public is encouraged to assist in the investigation by supplying any additional tips or information that may lead to further clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the murder of Heyward Price.
For those with pertinent information, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (864) 898-5500.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Father Killed
- Wikipedia: Pickens County, South Carolina
- WYFF4: Motive in Pickens County Murder
- Google Search: Pickens County Murder
- Fox Carolina: Two More Arrests
- Google Scholar: Pickens County Crime
- WBRC: Pickens County Man Indicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickens County
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Man Arrested for Murder
- Google News: Pickens County 2021 Murder
