DyKyas Riyuan Belser, 22, was killed in a shooting inside the Lava Lounge on Sumter Street in Florence, South Carolina, on March 11, 2023. Investigators say a dispute inside the nightclub escalated into a fight during which a firearm was discharged and Belser was struck. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later died; the Florence County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity.

Police say their investigation led to the identification and arrest of 45-year-old Javon Smith. He was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and was booked into the Florence County Detention Center. The investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing.

If anyone witnessed the incident at Lava Lounge that night or has information about the confrontation that preceded the shooting, please come forward.