Reaven Graves

Reaven Lashae Graves was a 31-year-old mother of two young children whose life was tragically cut short in her own home. Her death has left her family, including her mother, devastated and the community of Mullins, South Carolina, in mourning.

On the night of Sunday, October 27, 2024, officers with the Mullins Police Department were called to a residence where they discovered Reaven’s body. While some initial reports mentioned Morgan Court, later reports clarified she was found at her home on Gause Street. The Marion County Deputy Coroner, Jim Gray, later confirmed that Reaven, a Black female, died from gunshot wounds and her death was ruled a homicide. Police Chief Philip Mostowski stated early in the investigation that the shooting appeared to be domestic in nature and that the case "looks promising."

The Mullins Police Department, with assistance from the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), began an intensive investigation into Reaven's death. In the days that followed, her family pleaded with the public for anyone with information to come forward. "I just want to keep saying her name," her mother, Cherie Simpson, said. "If you know something, say something. This could happen to anybody. And I never thought in a million years, that I would be standing here. Talking about my daughter... I just need justice for my daughter. That's all."

On November 3, dozens of community members gathered at 'Amazing Grace' Park in Marion for a balloon release to honor Reaven's memory. The event was organized by her godmother, Clydia Hemingway Davis, who hoped to raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence. "I want them to see that domestic violence is real," Davis said. "I want these girls to see that bad relationships can lead you in bad places. I want these young men who are being violent to see the hurt that they leave behind." Local officials, including the Marion County Sheriff and a Marion City Councilman, were present to show their support. The Marion County NAACP also pledged to help provide Christmas presents for Reaven's two children.

By mid-November, the investigation had zeroed in on a suspect. The Mullins Police Department issued warrants for the arrest of Daiquan Malik Davis, charging him with murder in connection with Reaven's death. Chief Mostowski confirmed that the killing was the result of a domestic situation. Davis remained at large for a short time, with police asking for the public's help in locating him.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Daiquan Davis turned himself in to the Mullins Police Department. He was officially charged with the murder of Reaven Graves and was scheduled for a bond hearing that same day. The case against him is now proceeding through the legal system. As of late November 2024, the community continues to grieve for a mother taken too soon while her family awaits justice. Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the Mullins Police Department at 843-464-0707.