On the evening of May 19, 2023, a confrontation at The Spot club on Walker Street in Johnston, South Carolina resulted in the death of 38-year-old Willie DeWayne Dublin. According to reports, the dispute began when club management tried to escort Dublin from the premises for allegedly unruly behavior. The situation turned physical and the club manager, identified as 64-year-old Joe Ben Dukes, allegedly produced a firearm and shot Dublin.

Dublin was taken to Edgefield County Healthcare but was pronounced dead at about 8:30 p.m. that night. Law enforcement from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and local agencies investigated, and Dukes was arrested; in June 2023 he was charged with manslaughter in connection with Dublin’s death. Dublin, a native of Edgefield County and a Strom Thurmond High School graduate, was remembered by family and friends as a father and a landscaper.

If anyone who was at The Spot that night or who knew Dublin has information that could help clarify what happened, please come forward.