21-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Murder, Armed Robbery in Charleston Crime Spree

Darcellus Fishburne admitted to his role in a deadly 2020 incident that left a 63-year-old man dead.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass from a crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a deadly crime spree exposes the harsh realities of violence and its impact on a community.North Charleston Today

Darcellus Fishburne, now 21 years old, has pleaded guilty to murder, armed robbery, and attempted armed robbery charges stemming from a 2020 crime spree in Charleston, South Carolina. Fishburne and two other teenage suspects were involved in multiple robberies and the fatal shooting of 63-year-old Tom DiLorenzo.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of youth crime and violence in the Charleston area, as well as the impact on innocent victims and their families. The guilty plea brings some closure, but also raises questions about sentencing and rehabilitation for young offenders involved in serious crimes.

The details

According to authorities, on July 17, 2020, Fishburne and two other teenage suspects were in a stolen car and drove from North Charleston to downtown Charleston. They first approached a 74-year-old woman on Archdale Street and robbed her at gunpoint. About 20 minutes later, the same two suspects approached a couple out for a morning walk at the corner of King and Clifford streets and attempted to rob them, fatally shooting 63-year-old Tom DiLorenzo as they fled on foot to the waiting stolen car. DiLorenzo's wife, Suzanne Austin, who was the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the College of Charleston, was uninjured.

  • On July 17, 2020, the crime spree began in the early morning hours.
  • Fishburne was 15 years old at the time of the murder.

The players

Darcellus Fishburne

A 21-year-old man who has pleaded guilty to murder, armed robbery, and attempted armed robbery charges stemming from a 2020 crime spree in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tom DiLorenzo

A 63-year-old man who was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Charleston in 2020.

Suzanne Austin

The wife of Tom DiLorenzo, who was the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the College of Charleston.

Travis Wilson

One of the two co-defendants charged in the 2020 Charleston crime spree, with charges that remain pending.

Jaylen Grant

One of the two co-defendants charged in the 2020 Charleston crime spree, with charges that remain pending.

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What’s next

Fishburne's sentencing date has not yet been announced.

The takeaway

The guilty plea from Darcellus Fishburne brings some closure to this tragic case, but also raises difficult questions about how to address youth violence and ensure public safety while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption.