SLED Charges Teen With Murder in Death of 13-year-old

By Vivian Jennings
The Journal-Messenger
MCCORMICK, S.C. — A 17-year-old has been charged with murder following the death of a 13-year-old during an altercation at a boat dock in Modoc, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
SLED charged Landen Austin Moore, 17, with murder Monday, July 20. The McCormick County Sheriff’s Office requested that SLED investigate the incident.
An arrest-warrant affidavit identifies the victim as Daryl Lowry, 13.
According to the affidavit, Moore, Lowry and an unnamed 16-year-old were involved in a physical altercation at a boat dock in McCormick County on July 20. Authorities allege that Lowry suffered knife lacerations during the altercation.
The affidavit further alleges that Moore and the 16-year-old intentionally held Lowry underwater until he died. SLED Special Agent Jeffrey Michlovitz wrote that the allegations are based on statements and evidence obtained during the investigation.
Moore was booked into the McCormick County Detention Center. SLED said the 16-year-old involved in the incident was transported to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. The juvenile’s name has not been released.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to SLED. The agency said additional information may become available as the case continues.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case.
The allegations contained in the warrant have not been proven in court. Moore is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.