ATLANTA --- The South Carolina man accused in the death of Tyrone Moore Jr. -- the half-brother of Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White -- was arrested on murder charges Tuesday.
Charleston County Sheriff's Office deputies say Darnell Claven Lafayette, a 23-year-old man from James Island, S.C., had apparently shot Moore, 21, twice outside The Lake House Club during the early-morning hours of May 17 (Saturday) -- although it's unclear what led to the deadly encounter between the men.
According to reported eyewitnesses, Lafayette approached Moore, just outside The Lake House Club, and fired three shots -- two of which struck Moore -- before fleeing the scene. Moore was subseqently taken to Medical University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"We don't have . . . a history of reports that they were having ongoing battles," said Charleston County assistant sheriff Mitch Lucas on Tuesday, according to The Post and Courier. "Right now, we believe they knew each other simply because of where they lived and the nature of the community out there."
Lafayette had been apprehended before noon (EST) on Tuesday, approximately 1/2 mile from The Lake House Club, according to the P&C report.
Although Lafayette has been identified as the sole gunman, according to the P&C report, Charleston County police aren't ruling out any additional arrests.
The Falcons, Roddy White's NFL team since 2005, have been unwavering in their support of White and his entire family.
"We were all saddened to learn about the death of Roddy's brother, Tyrone," said Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Saturday. "Roddy is part of our Falcons family, and families stand together in difficult circumstances. Roddy and his family can count on our support through this very trying time. On behalf of the entire Falcons organization, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to Roddy, his mother Joenethia, and their entire family."
Since the death of Tyrone Moore Jr., the accessible White has kept a low profile, steering clear of public statements through the Falcons, or through popular social-media sites, like Twitter.
According to the P&C report, the accused Lafayette has been arrested nine times in Charleston County over the years.
