Driver sentenced to life in fatal Kershaw County drive-by shooting
May 21, 2026
A Kershaw County jury convicted Ti’Yon Akeem Harriot of murder and two counts of attempted murder on May 6. The Honorable T.W. McGee sentenced Harriot to spend the rest of his natural life in a South Carolina Department of Corrections facility for his role in a drive-by shooting that killed a 17-year-old and injured another juvenile. Judge McGee sentenced Harriot to 30 years in prison for each count of attempted murder.
Harriot drove the car that followed the victims’ vehicle, pulling alongside it to allow his accomplices to fire multiple rounds into the vehicle. One round struck Justice Rutherford in the neck, killing him shortly afterward, while another juvenile was injured in the ambush.
An expert witness testified that Harriot’s DNA was found on the steering wheel of the shooters’ vehicle. A ballistics expert testified that bullets recovered from the victims’ vehicle matched the type of firearm Harriot owned.
A witness testified that Harriot and the other accomplices continued down Highway 1 before returning to the scene to fire on the victims’ vehicle a second time. The witness said they realized they had “hit someone” as they neared the scene and chose to flee rather than continue the attack.
Witness testimony and forensic evidence showed that Harriot and his accomplices attempted to hide or destroy evidence the next day.
This conviction follows the April 22 conviction of Harriot’s co-defendant, Troy Eugene Keitt Jr., on charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime at trial. The Honorable Chris Taylor sentenced Keitt to life for murder, 30 years for each count of attempted murder, and five years for the weapon charge.
Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office Assistant Solicitor Michael Bradbury and Deputy Solicitor Curtis Pauling, assisted by Investigator Chris Davis, prosecuted the case. Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Miles Taylor led the investigation.