SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – The man accused in a deadly August 2021 shooting in Spartanburg was arrested Wednesday afternoon.
Spartanburg Police said 30-year-old Felshunti Daquan Clark has been charged with murder in the death of Leonard Lyles III.
Clark was arrested around 1:30 p.m. at a McDonald’s on New Cut Road, according to police. On Thursday, Clark appeared in a hearing where a judge denied his bond.
“It’s a great victory,” said Lyles’ Mother, Melissa. “Step one was the arrest, which was just yesterday and then step two was the bond being denied. So for us, that’s a double win within a 24 hour period.”
Investigators said Clark shot Lyles along Oliver Street on August 28. 2021. Lyles died at the hospital from his injuries just over a month later. Since her son’s death, Lyles said she has prayed for answers and for justice.
“Wrong son, wrong parents. We’re those parents that are not going to give up until we receive justice for our son. He deserves justice,” said Lyles.
In a statement, the Spartanburg Police Department acknowledged the pain and suffering felt by the family of Lyles since his death, along with their commitment to assisting with the investigation.
“Mr. and Mrs. Lyles have demonstrated strength, patience, and faith in their belief that one day their son’s killer would be identified,” the statement continued.
Family members offered an $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Lyles’ death. Lyles said she’s thankful for the community’s support and said this arrest is a big win for her family.
“The biggest thing is, we took a menace to our community off the streets,” said Lyles.
Still, it’s not the end of their journey, she said they’re now hoping for a conviction.
“It hurts because it’s not going to bring our son back, but you’re not going to go unpunished either. You’re not going to go unpunished,” said Lyles.
Clark is being held in the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
