SUMTER, S.C. — The parents of a 12-year-old shot to death while trick-or-treating said Monday that they hope the man accused of killing him suffers for the rest of his life.
T.J. Darrisaw died Halloween night after police say a convicted felon unleashed a barrage of bullets from inside a home, pumping at least 29 shots through a closed door and the front of the house. T.J.’s father and brother were wounded.
“The injury to my arm is not as bad as the injury to my heart. I’ve lost a piece of my heart forever,” said the boy’s father, Freddie Grinnell Jr.
Police said Quentin Patrick, 22, opened fire with an AK-47 because he thought he was being robbed. The family went to the home because the porch light was on, usually a signal that trick-or-treaters are welcome.
Two of three siblings who went to the door with their father were wearing ghoulish masks. Their parents said T.J. was in front when the shots were fired.
“T.J. saved us that night,” Grinnell said. “He took most of the shots.”
Patrick, who is charged with murder and three counts of assault and battery with intent to kill, was denied bail Monday. He did not enter a plea, and a lawyer had not yet been assigned to his case.
Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the death penalty, but the police chief in Sumter said she will recommend they do.
T.J.’s parents said they want Patrick to suffer for a lifetime behind bars.
“He should have to live every day in jail and see it and feel it every day for the rest of his life,” Daphne Grinnell said. “The death penalty would be a shortcut.”
