‘I don’t want his story to end’: School officials raise money for 13-year-old beaten to death

LONGS, SC (WBTW) – Community members are mourning the loss of 13-year-old Isaiah Gaymes, who Horry County authorities say was beaten to death by a piece of wood and a handgun last week last in Longs.

Gaymes, who attended Riverside Elementary School two years ago, was a beloved member of their family, guidance counselor Feleica Bellamy and former assistant principal Angela Gore told News13 Saturday.

Both are working to raise money for funeral expenses and establish a scholarship fund in Isaiah’s name.

“He was very resilient…he would just beat the odds, or try to beat the odds. He was his sister’s protector. He always talked about his sister,” Bellamy said. “So these are some of the factors that will make a student eligible for their scholarship. »

Authorities have charged two people in connection with Gaymes’ death. Ivy Contrell Jenerette, 40, faces one count of murder and abuse inflicting great bodily harm on a child.

He remains in custody without bail at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. Gaymes’ mother, Samantha Ann, 34, is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. She also remains behind bars awaiting her first court appearance.

Gaymes suffered multiple blunt force injuries to the side and back of the head on May 8, as well as several other injuries, including broken bones, burns and “permanent disfigurement of the face and body,” according to a warrant. ‘stop. A piece of wood and a handgun were recovered and analyzed for blood, consistent with the types of injuries sustained on Isaiah.

His death affected those close to him as well as those with whom he attended school.

“The students, the community, the adults, the teachers, the staff, everyone is taking it really hard because it’s a devastating situation,” Bellamy said.

Gore said they also plan to raise money and awareness for child abuse and domestic violence hotlines.

“We don’t want his story to end, because we want Isaiah’s voice to continue to resonate throughout our community, throughout our county, throughout our state, throughout our country, and we need to do better,” he said. she declared.

A celebration of Isaiah’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday at People’s AME Church, 8415 Highway 90, Longs. If you would like to make a donation, click here.

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Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December 2023. Follow Hannah on Facebook and Instagram. You can also read more of his work here.

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina journalist who previously worked at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and graduate of the University of Utah. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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