Two teenagers have been arrested after 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry was found dead at Clark Hills Lake in Modoc, South Carolina, on July 20. Authorities allege 17-year-old Landen Moore and a 16-year-old held Daryl’s head under water following an altercation at a boat dock during which the victim suffered knife wounds. Moore has been charged with murder and booked; the second juvenile was transferred to the state juvenile justice system. The investigation remains active and law enforcement has released court documents related to the case.
13-Year-Old Foster Child Found Dead; Two Foster Teens Arrested in Connection With Drowning
Daryl Martinez Lowry (left); and Landen Moore.Credit: Chris King Memorial Chapel; McCormick County South Carolina Detention Center
Authorities in South Carolina have arrested two teenagers after the body of 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry was recovered from Clark Hills Lake in Modoc on July 20. According to court documents and statements from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the teens allegedly held the boy’s head under water following an altercation at a boat dock.
Allegations and Arrests
An affidavit posted by the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office says 17-year-old Landen Moore and a 16-year-old suspect got into a confrontation with Daryl at a boat dock. Investigators allege Daryl suffered lacerations from a knife during the dispute and that Moore and the other teen then held his head underwater until he died. Daryl’s body was found the same day at Clark Hills Lake, SLED told PEOPLE.
Daryl Martinez Lowry.Credit: Go Fund Me
Moore has been charged with murder and was booked into the McCormick County detention center. The second juvenile suspect was transferred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice; authorities have not publicly confirmed formal charges for that teen.
Context and Family Response
Both suspects are reported to be foster children of McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby. Daryl had been briefly placed in Hamby’s home while awaiting another foster placement, according to local reporting. Hamby’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Landen Moore.Credit: McCormick County South Carolina Detention Center
Daryl’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help them cope with expenses and memorial arrangements. In the fundraiser, his aunt described him as “an amazing child full of life, love, and charisma,” and relatives have posted messages online calling for justice.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies have posted the affidavit and arrest documents online as inquiries continue. Online court records for Moore were not publicly available at the time of reporting, and it was not immediately known whether he has entered a plea or retained an attorney.
Note: The details above reflect allegations contained in arrest documents and public statements. Those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Help us improve.
