Kenneth Lasane Jr., 26, was fatally shot while home on leave from the U.S. Army to attend a family friend’s birthday party on Barnes Street in Mullins, South Carolina, on June 23, 2024. A Mullins High School alumnus remembered as a positive influence, Lasane’s death prompted an immediate investigation.

Authorities identified 23-year-old Shaquan Ahmad Champion of Mullins as a suspect. Champion, who was already out on bond on a separate attempted murder charge, fled South Carolina after the shooting. Two relatives, 44-year-old Thomas Rashad Champion and 38-year-old Shaday Cash, are accused of helping him escape. An interstate manhunt led to Shaquan Champion’s arrest in Michigan and to Thomas Champion and Shaday Cash being arrested in Ohio; Flock license plate reader technology assisted in locating them.

Shaquan Champion has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime; a magistrate denied bond. Thomas Champion and Shaday Cash face accessory after the fact to felony murder with bonds set at $50,000 and $25,000. If anyone at the Barnes Street gathering or who knew Kenneth has information, please come forward.