Lexington County man sentenced to 40 years for Fish Hatchery Road murder

Daniel Jones and his codefendant, Christopher David Shumpert was sentenced in connection to the murder of Barry Joe Chavis, Jr.

Photo: Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A 22-year-old man was convicted for murder by a Lexington County jury last week, says the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Daniel Taylor Jones was sentenced to 40 years with parole in connection to the March 27, 2020, murder of Barry Joe Chavis, Jr., in the Gaston area of Lexington County.

Barry Joe Chavis, Jr., was shot and killed in his Fish Hatchery Road front yard after investigators say he was confronted by Daniel Jones and his codefendant, Christopher David Shumpert.

Barry Joe Chavis, Jr., was shot and killed in his Fish Hatchery Road front yard after investigators say he was confronted by Daniel Jones and his codefendant, Christopher David Shumpert.

Photo: Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office

Investigators believe Jones and Shumpert shot Chavis after an argument about a small amount of money.

And that after the argument, both men fired guns at an unarmed Chavis hitting him in his back twice and instantly killing him.

Also another victim who was shot once in the leg and once in the stomach was taken to the hospital for treatment at the time.

That victim was released days later from the hospital.

Investigators say multiple witnesses at the scene identified Jones and Shumpert as the shooters.

Jones was taken into custody in Lexington County later that night while the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division tracking team found Shumpert at a hotel in Aiken County early the next morning.

At his trial Jones testified he was shooting at the ground and was shooting in self-defense but officials say evidence contradicts that statement.

Jones was also sentenced to 20 years for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and 5 years for possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Both Jones and Shumpert were charged similarly.

Shumpert was convicted by a Lexington County jury in March 2023 and was also sentenced to 40 years in prison.