Family members claim assault was motive for Lancaster killing

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Jeff Barrett, 42, had just left his home for a friend's house Saturday night when he was shot and killed in the street.

He was a construction worker and a father of five.

Within hours, deputies charged Derrick Stalk, 16, with murder. Barrett was shot in the chest and leg, and two 9-millimeter shell casings were found in the street near his body.

Lancaster Co. Sheriff’s Office charges 16-year-old with murder

Lisa Hanna was Barrett's girlfriend and is the mother of his 18-month-old daughter.

"He was a very, very great man," Hanna said. "Two minutes after he walked out of our home, I heard gunshots."

Neighbors did as well, including long-time friend Misty Hinson.

“It's just very heart-breaking, because Jeff was such a wonderful person. He really was," she said.

Lancaster County sheriff's deputies would not discuss a motive for the shooting as of late Monday.

However, family members and friends told Channel 9 that Stalk had been hanging around the neighborhood recently.

They said he had stolen money from another man, and Barrett had confronted him about it a few days ago.

During that confrontation, Stalk hit Barrett in the head, family members told Channel 9.

Deputies said they do have a report of that alleged assault from Sept. 29 filed by Barrett.

However, since Stalk is a juvenile, they cannot release information about that case or confirm a possible suspect.

Deputies did say they have not charged anyone with that assault at this time.

Deputies said they are still interviewing neighbors on Thomasville Street but are not looking for more suspects.

Misty Hinson's sister, Rhonda, also knew Barrett and said his death makes no sense.

"You always hear about stuff like this, but when it hits you right where you stay, with people you know, it's devastating," she said.

On Monday, Channel 9 spoke to Barrett's mother and sister. They said they forgive the teenager who's charged in the killing.

Stalk is being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia, South Carolina. Deputies expect him to return to Lancaster County for a bond hearing later in the week.

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