Trial Commences for Murder of Hilton Head Teenager, Trey Blackshear

Courtroom drama illustration.

Trial Commences for Murder of Hilton Head Teenager, Trey Blackshear

Beaufort County, SC – The long-awaited trial regarding the murder of Hilton Head teenager, Trey Blackshear began this week at the Beaufort County Courthouse. Blackshear, 18 at the time of his death, was fatally shot in December 2019 during an attempted armed robbery. Two suspects, Xavier Da’Quan Barnes, 21, and Terrance Wing, 20, have been charged as adults for his murder.

The Case Background

The tragic incident occurred just days after Blackshear graduated from Hilton Head Island High School. He was found shot dead inside his car, parked in the vicinity of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church off Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. Barnes and Wing, who were both 16 at the time, are believed to have fired the fatal bullets that hit the teen in the head and shoulder. They were charged a year after the incident by a judge to stand trial as adults with Wing’s trial commencing on Monday.

The Trial Process

Prosecution testimonies have been heard from various forensic scientists and law enforcement officials. The defense rested its case without calling upon any witnesses for Wing. Jury deliberations are expected to initiate in the afternoon. Notably, two other individuals Jaesean Jeffrey Redd and Kionna Michele Ferguson, were formerly charged with accessory after the fact to murder; however, their charges were dismissed in March 2021.

Assistant Solicitor Trasi Campbell, who is assigned to prosecute the case, stated that the suspected gunmen (Barnes and Wing) had climbed into the rear seat of Blackshear’s car and opened fire. Jordan Singleton, a close friend of Blackshear and present at the scene, is said to have fired back in self-defense.

Remembering Trey Blackshear

Blackshear had graduated high school with high academic honors and had several soccer scholarships to his name. He had planned to study Business Administration in college to take over his grandfather’s business. Loved ones remember him for his humor, youthfulness, and the “‘strong ability to put a smile on faces,” according to his obituary.

The Defense Team

The defense party comprises Luke Shealey and Jared Newman, representing and speaking for Barnes and Wing, respectively. Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullen presides over the proceedings.

Future Proceedings

An earlier note indicated that Xavier Barnes would stand trial this week, but his court date is yet to be scheduled. As the trial progresses, the community mourns the loss of the young teenager and awaits the outcome of the case.