Mugshot Released After Teen Charged In Death Of 13-Year-Old Foster Child

 The release of a teenage suspect's mugshot has brought renewed attention to one of South Carolina's most disturbing homicide investigations, as authorities continue examining the death of 13-year-old foster child Daryl Martinez Lowry in McCormick County. Investigators allege the fatal encounter unfolded during the early morning hours at a private dock, where a confrontation ended in tragedy and left a community searching for answers.

Authorities have identified 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore as one of two foster teenagers charged in connection with Lowry's death. Officials recently released Moore's booking photograph after announcing he faces a murder charge. A second suspect, a 16-year-old foster child, has also been charged through South Carolina's juvenile justice system, but the juvenile's identity has not been publicly disclosed because of age protections.

According to investigators, the incident occurred during an altercation involving the three foster children. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division alleges Lowry suffered knife wounds before he was held underwater at a dock until he drowned. Those allegations are outlined in the criminal investigation, which remains active as authorities continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.

Officials have stated that all three children were residing together in the same foster home at the time of the incident. The property belongs to McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby, who has served as a foster parent. Investigators have previously indicated Hamby was asleep inside the residence when the events leading to Lowry's death allegedly took place.

Daryl Martinez Lowry, 13, had recently been placed in the home as a temporary foster child while awaiting another placement, according to investigators. Authorities have not released information indicating how long the children had been living together before the deadly confrontation. They also have not announced a motive or explained what sparked the altercation at the dock.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division continues leading the investigation, working to establish a complete timeline of events and determine whether additional evidence or charges may emerge. Officials have released only limited information beyond the allegations contained in court documents and have not discussed other potential factors while the case remains under review.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of the ages of those involved and the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a child in foster care. Community members continue following developments closely as investigators work through the evidence. Authorities have urged the public to allow the investigative process to continue without speculation while facts are examined.

As the criminal case moves forward, Daryl Martinez Lowry's family continues mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon. Court proceedings are expected to provide additional details as the investigation progresses, but many questions remain unanswered. For now, officials say the focus remains on seeking justice through the legal process while preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigation.