In his Columbia, South Carolina community, Gerald McDaniel was a familiar and beloved figure, known to many by his childhood nickname, "Apple Jack." A man with a generous spirit, the 63-year-old was a father and grandfather who dedicated his time to mentoring young people. He volunteered with a youth association at MLK Park and drove a daycare bus, always striving to steer kids toward a positive path and away from the very violence that would tragically claim his own life. To make a living, McDaniel was a roadside salesman, setting up his merchandise of T-shirts and shoes on Farrow Road, across from the Hot Spot convenience store.
In the early moments of Saturday, June 19, 2010, just one day before Father's Day and three days shy of his 64th birthday, Gerald McDaniel’s life was cut short. Following his usual routine, he drove to the U-Stor storage facility at 3415 Two Notch Road around 12:15 a.m. to store his merchandise for the night.
It was there that he was ambushed, shot, and killed. His family believes he was followed from his sales spot by someone who knew his nightly habit.
The Columbia Police Department, in a joint investigation with the Richland County Sheriff's Department, quickly determined that robbery was the likely motive, confirming that an unspecified item was taken from McDaniel. The initial investigation centered on surveillance footage captured at the storage facility. The video showed a light-colored, four-door Chevrolet Impala, believed to be a model from 2001 to 2005, leaving the scene shortly after McDaniel's vehicle entered. Investigators also released an enhanced image of a man from the video, believing him to be the shooter and that he had an accomplice who drove the getaway car.
In the weeks following the murder, McDaniel's heartbroken family pleaded with the public for help. His daughter, April Hiller, stood at the spot where her father sold his wares and made an emotional appeal. "I’m asking for anyone’s help who knows who killed my dad. Please, I’m begging you. My family needs closure," she said. "I couldn't call my dad on Father's Day because he killed him before Father's Day. I couldn't call him on his birthday because he killed him, took that privilege from me." McDaniel's aunt, Diana Taylor, added, "We believe Gerald knew the person that killed him."
The family's grief was compounded by the senselessness of the act against a man who gave so much to his community. "He was a great mentor to these young kids out there," Hiller said of her father's volunteer work. "Not only did he take them from his family, he took from these kids he wanted to lead in the right path." A friend, who remained anonymous out of fear of retaliation, remembered McDaniel as "such a good guy" who "gave back to the community" and tried to help young people straighten out their lives.
Years have passed, but the murder of Gerald McDaniel remains unsolved. His case is still listed on the Columbia Police Department's cold case files, a persistent reminder of a family's unanswered questions and a community's loss. No suspects have been publicly named or apprehended. As of November 2026, the investigation continues, waiting for the one crucial tip that could bring justice for "Apple Jack." Crimestoppers offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-888-CRIME-SC.
