A Florence man is facing a murder charge after a deadly stabbing left 29-year-old Anthony Ray dead outside an apartment complex on Harrell Street early Saturday morning. Dominique Gerod Brockington was taken into custody after being treated himself for injuries suffered during the altercation that killed Ray, and he now remains behind bars at the Florence County Detention Center.
Florence police said Brockington was arrested in connection with Ray's fatal stabbing, according to WPDE. Investigators allege that Brockington and Ray got into an altercation during which Brockington stabbed Ray, causing his death, per a report from WMBF News. That same report identified the victim as Anthony Ray, 29, of Florence, and said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers responded to the 300 block of Harrell Street, where they found Ray outside an apartment complex, according to WPDE's reporting on the case. WMBF News reported more specifically that the victim was found in front of an apartment complex at 307 Harrell Street, near West Marion Street. Ray was pronounced deceased at the scene from an apparent stabbing.
Brockington Was Also Injured and Treated Before Arrest
Brockington was injured during the altercation and received medical treatment afterward, the station's report notes. He was released from that medical treatment on Monday, at which point he was taken into custody rather than walking free. Per the same account, he now faces a murder charge along with a charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Police also said Brockington was served with an existing warrant for domestic violence at the time of his arrest, an unrelated matter that predated the stabbing. The report notes that he remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center as the case moves forward.
Initial Reports Described a Person of Interest, Not Yet Charged
Earlier coverage of the case reflected a fast-moving investigation. On Wednesday, WPDE reported that officers had a person of interest in custody but that he had not yet been charged in Ray's death, noting only that the investigation continued. By the following day, that same outlet reported Brockington had been formally arrested and charged with murder, marking a shift from an open investigation to formal charges within roughly 24 hours.
Separately, WFXB reported that police located a body in the 300 block of Harrell Street around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, and identified the victim as Anthony Ray of Florence in its own coverage of the case.
Friend Says She Wants Answers
Iysis Robinson, described as a close friend of Ray's who shares a daughter with him, has spoken publicly about the loss. She said she wants justice in Ray's killing and answers about why he was killed, according to WPDE's reporting. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the altercation remains ongoing.
