South Carolina Woman Sentenced to 21 Years for Killing Boyfriend in Front of Toddler

A jury in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, found Zaria Aiyanna Owens guilty last Thursday of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The verdict stems from an incident that occurred on August 20, 2023, outside an apartment complex on College Pointe Lane in Spartanburg.

Owens, 25, was sentenced to serve 21 years in prison for her role in the death of Tyquirez Rashad Sims, a 21-year-old man. Additionally, she received a five-year sentence for weapon possession, which will be served concurrently with the manslaughter charge.

The incident unfolded when Owens and Sims were arguing over Owens moving out of their shared apartment. The argument escalated to a point where Sims realized that Owens had taken his gun and phone. He followed her outside as she was getting into her car, hoping to persuade her to leave peacefully.

According to testimony presented during the trial, Sims went back inside the apartment to retrieve the couple's 3-year-old son, intending to hand him over to Owens so she would depart without further conflict. As this transpired, Owens allegedly pointed the gun at Sims and fired a single shot that struck him in the head while he was on the curb several feet away from her.

After shooting Sims, Owens fled the scene with her child in the car. She turned herself into police the following morning after hiding out overnight at another apartment complex. During questioning by law enforcement, Owens initially claimed self-defense but later admitted to picking up the gun when she perceived Sims pushing their son towards her.

First responders discovered Sims dead at the crime scene. Medical examiners confirmed that he had been shot once in the head, which was the fatal wound. The toddler remained unharmed throughout the ordeal and showed no signs of injury from any alleged stumble caused by his father's actions.

Deputy Solicitor Spenser Smith emphasized the profound impact this case has had on both families involved. "Tyquirez had a loving family and recently became a father to a 6-month-old child," Smith noted. "This tragic incident of domestic violence not only took the life of Tyquirez but also left his young son without a father."

The court's decision underscores the severe consequences faced by individuals who resort to lethal measures during conflicts, particularly in cases involving children and domestic disputes.