Arrest Made in 2021 Cold Case Murder Investigation

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with a two-year old
homicide case. On July 5th, 2023, Detectives with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office arrested 24-year-old Jay’Kwon Tajeek Walker of Clinton, South Carolina in connection with the 2021 murder of Trey Price. Walker was initially linked to the homicide through DNA evidence that was recovered from the scene, which was later submitted and tested by the State Law Enforcement Division.

On the morning of May 10th, 2021, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to 207
Shade Tree Circle in Easley, South Carolina in reference to an unresponsive male subject at the residence. When deputies arrived, they found the victim, Heyward “Trey” Price, III (32 years-old), deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Based on evidence found at the scene, the death was determined to be a homicide investigation.

Over the past two years, Detectives with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office have
worked tirelessly following up on leads, interviewing associates, reviewing surveillance video, combing over evidence, and submitting evidence for processing by SLED. However, despite an extensive investigation, no significant leads were developed until recently when, with the assistance of a recent DNA hit, detectives identified Walker as a possible suspect. That lead led Detectives to Clinton, South Carolina where they located additional evidence tying Walker to the death of Trey Price. That evidence, coupled with evidence recovered from the scene during the initial investigation, culminated in arrest of Walker in Laurens County on July 5th, 2023, by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force.

Sheriff Clark would like to thank the Clinton Police Department and Chief Ledda for all of
their assistance during this investigation.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, as it is believed that Walker was not alone during the time of the crime. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 898-5500 or Crimestoppers at (864) 232-7463 to remain anonymous.

Walker remains jailed in Pickens County without bond on charges of Murder, 1st Degree Burglary, and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime.