LONGS, S.C – People in the community are sad about the death of 13-year-old Isaiah Gaymes, who was killed last week in Longs by being hit with a piece of wood and a gun.
Two years ago, Gaymes went to Riverside Elementary School. Guidance counselor Feleica Bellamy and former assistant director Angela Gore told News13 on Saturday that Gaymes was loved by her family.
These two groups are trying to get money for Isaiah’s funeral and a grant fund in his honor.
“He was very strong…”to try to beat the odds or just beat them. He watched out for his sister. Bellamy said, “He talked about his sister all the time.” “So those are some of the things that will determine whether a student can get his scholarship.”
Two people have been charged with crimes related to Gaymes’ death. It is alleged that Ivy Contrell Jenerette, who is 40 years old, killed a kid and hurt them very badly.
He is still being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bail. Samantha Ann, Gaymes’s 34-year-old mother, is charged with a crime involving a child. In addition, she is still in jail until her first court date.
According to the arrest request, Gaymes was hit several times in the side and back of the head on May 8. He also had broken bones, burns, and “permanent disfigurement to the face and body.” A gun and a piece of wood were found and checked for blood, which matched the patterns of injuries on Isaiah.
People who knew him well and people he went to school with were touched by his death.
“Everyone is taking it pretty hard because it’s a terrible situation,” Bellamy said. “Students, community, adults, teachers, staff, everyone.”
Gore said they also want to get more people to know about child and domestic violence hotlines and raise money for them.
“We don’t want his story to end because we want Isaiah’s voice to never stop telling everyone in our community, county, state, and country that we need to do better,” she said.
Monday at 11 a.m., at Popular AME Church, 8415 Highway 90, Longs, there will be a celebration of Isaiah’s life.
