NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — A man from Charleston County has been sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating a shocking murder-for-hire scheme that left the local community reeling. Quinton Taylor, 40, was found guilty of murdering 27-year-old DeAndre Rivers and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
The conviction stemmed from a brutal incident that occurred on May 6, 2020, in which Taylor meticulously tracked Rivers’ movements. Authorities reported that Taylor used a GPS tracking device to monitor Rivers leading up to the fatal encounter, carefully planning the attack.
On the morning of the shooting, Taylor lay in wait outside a residence on Gullah Avenue where Rivers had gone to visit a friend. When Rivers left, Taylor approached and fired six shots, striking Rivers multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Investigators quickly gathered evidence, including surveillance footage and witness accounts, which directed them to a black Dodge Ram pickup truck seen in the area before and after the shooting. Rental records linked Taylor directly to the vehicle, as he had registered it using his own information at a local rental agency.
Merely hours after the shooting, law enforcement located Taylor driving the same pickup truck. A search of the vehicle revealed critical evidence, such as Taylor’s cell phone, a T-shirt, a Crown Royal bag with a ski mask, and over $11,000 in cash. Additionally, an unfired round found at his residence matched the ammunition used in the attack, further solidifying the connection.
The investigation unveiled that Taylor had been in contact with an inmate at Evans Correctional Institution, who allegedly masterminded the scheme. Communication records highlighted a series of messages exchanged between Taylor and the incarcerated individual, as well as an intermediary responsible for payments. Notably, shortly after the murder, Taylor sent a text that simply read “Done,” indicating his involvement.
Authorities have since charged Darrell Williams, 33, as the alleged mastermind behind the murder for hire, labeling him as an accessory before the fact. Williams, who was in prison at the time the plot was uncovered, has since been transferred to a local detention facility to face charges related to his role in the crime, with his next court appearance scheduled for October.
Taylor’s criminal history includes previous offenses involving third-degree burglary and illegal possession of a firearm. This recent conviction adds to a troubling pattern of behavior.
Friends and family have shared heartfelt tributes to Rivers, describing him as a kind, loyal friend who was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his child. His obituary highlighted his love for basketball, travel, and collecting sneakers, emphasizing the impact he had on those around him.
The details of this case have ignited serious discussions in Charleston County about the rise of organized violence and the misuse of technology in criminal endeavors. The community is left grappling with the implications of such a premeditated crime and the potential vulnerabilities it reveals.