ANDERSON, S.C. — A tragic scene unfolded early Sunday morning at Truth Bar and Grill on West Franklin Street, where gunfire erupted, leaving two men dead and several others injured. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the victims as 54-year-old Calvin Chester Jr., who was working security at the time, and 30-year-old Roymad Shaquil McDaniel.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. when Anderson County 911 received reports of shots fired inside the popular late-night establishment. First responders arrived to find multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency efforts, both Chester and McDaniel were pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office has ruled their deaths as homicides.
Three additional victims were transported to AnMed Health Medical Center, where they are currently being treated for injuries sustained during the shooting. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed. Authorities say the incident began as a physical altercation inside the venue that quickly escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire.
The Anderson Police Department and Anderson County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate, working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting and to identify those responsible. Detectives remained on scene for several hours Sunday morning, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. “This is a tragic and senseless act of violence that took the lives of two members of our community,” one police spokesperson said. “We are committed to finding justice for the victims and their families.”
Friends and family have described Calvin Chester Jr. as a hardworking and respected man who took pride in his job protecting others. His death, along with that of Roymad McDaniel, has left the Anderson community in mourning. Social media has been flooded with tributes and messages of grief, with many calling for peace and accountability in the wake of the tragedy.
As the investigation remains ongoing, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Anderson County Crime Stoppers. For now, the community is left to grieve yet another heartbreaking act of violence, remembering the victims not just for how they died, but for the lives they lived — lives marked by dedication, friendship, and love for those around them.