The peaceful allure of Hilton Head Island was shattered early Saturday morning by a horrific act of violence that claimed the life of one man and left the town in shock and awe. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are working closely together to investigate the events that led to the untimely death of Bluffton resident Corey Devon McKee, Jr., 25, who was shot and killed in Canary Cove, a neighborhood known for its scenic surroundings and in a welcoming atmosphere.
A little before 02:24 the call was received. Following a 911 report of shots fired, emergency crews were dispatched, and deputies showed up a short time later. What they saw was a horrible scene of death: Corey McKee lay there lifeless, his young, bright life suddenly taken away by the violence that had occurred just seconds before. His identity would later be confirmed by the coroner's office, adding credence to the tale of heartache and devastation that would soon spread throughout the neighborhood.
The area was shocked by the sudden discovery of Corey's body near Fiddlers Cove. Hilton Head Island is known for its beautiful beaches, quiet residential neighborhoods, and perfect vacation spots—features that greatly reduce the likelihood of violent crime. It was amazing for the locals to learn of a murder in such a quiet area when they woke up. As word spread that one of their own had been killed in the early hours of the morning, many of them had already fallen asleep when the tragedy struck.
In the midst of sadness and disorder, the investigation became serious. SLED and local authorities began putting in endless hours to piece together what happened before Cory's death. The main elements of the investigation were forensic evidence, security footage and eyewitness reports. The law enforcement officers were obligated to hold the culprit accountable, not only for Corey's family but also for the entire neighborhood, which was completely turned upside down.
It didn't take long for the researchers' work to yield findings as they scoured the area for data. Detectives arrested a suspect by mid-morning: Charles Quincy Barron, a 25-year-old Bluffton resident, was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime of violence. Barron was immediately taken to the Beaufort County Detention Center and held there while he awaits other court cases. Many found comfort in knowing that Barron was now in custody, as the man believed to be responsible for the heinous act was no longer free. For Corey's loved ones, however, it was just the beginning of a long recovery process characterized by an unwavering sense of loss.
