Laurens, SC – After a near four-year investigation into a deadly shooting on Interstate 385 that killed two men, nine individuals have been charged, authorities said Friday. The collaborative arrest effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies across various states.
The violent 2021 incident, which started as a skirmish in Laurens and escalated as the parties traveled into Mauldin, culminated in gunfire and a high-speed crash. Rashon Javarous Irby, 29, and Andrekus Davarous Irby, 31, both of Laurens, died after being ejected from their vehicle during the chaos.
Authorities described the scene of the crash as extending over a half-mile, with numerous weapons, shell casings, and bullet fragments discovered. The extensive evidence highlighted the scale of the violence that unfolded in the early hours on the interstate.
“This tragic event sprang from a dispute that should never have escalated to such violence,” said Lt. Kevin Cox of the Mauldin Police Department. “Every individual involved is being held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and their families.”
The joint operation that led to the apprehension of the suspects was spearheaded by the Mauldin Police Department with support from the U.S. Marshals Service’s various regional fugitive task forces, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, the Laurens Police Department, and the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
Of the nine men charged, seven were apprehended and are currently held at the Greenville County Detention Center, while two others are awaiting extradition from other states. The suspects face a myriad of charges, including reckless homicide, conspiracy, and leaving the scene of an accident with death or great bodily injury.
The case experienced periods of slow progress with few leads and several uncooperative witnesses, according to Mauldin Police. However, renewed efforts led by Detective Jenna Willson in 2024, in collaboration with the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, finally paved the way for these charges.
“We are committed to upholding justice and safety in our community,” said Police Chief George Miller of Mauldin. “I am immensely proud of the dedication our team and partner agencies showed in bringing this complex case to a resolution.”
It’s a stark reminder of the sprawling and sometimes hidden challenges law enforcement officers face in solving multi-jurisdictional crimes. This successful operation underscores an unwavering pursuit of justice, shedding light on the capability and collaboration among different agencies to address serious and violent crimes spanning across city and state lines.