On the evening of October 18, 2025, the parking lot of the Sandtrap Bar & Grill on US 52 in Cheraw, South Carolina, became the scene of a deadly altercation that has since rattled the Chesterfield County community. According to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, what began as a dispute inside the bar escalated outside, culminating in gunfire that claimed the life of Terry D. Leach. Just a week later, on October 25, authorities announced that they had arrested 31-year-old Shereef Dont'a Malachi of Cheraw, charging him with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
The rapid progression from altercation to tragedy has left many in Cheraw reeling and searching for answers. As reported by Queen City News, investigators believe that two individuals exchanged gunfire in the parking lot after tensions flared earlier in the night. The confrontation, which initially may have seemed like a typical bar dispute, took a fatal turn that no one present could have anticipated.
Law enforcement officials moved swiftly in the aftermath. Sheriff Cambo Streeter, the county’s top lawman, emphasized the relentless efforts of his team. “Our investigators have worked diligently to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this tragic loss of life,” Streeter stated, as quoted by both Queen City News and WCNC Charlotte. He added, “We extend our continued condolences to the victim’s family, and we remain committed to seeking justice on their behalf.”
The details released so far paint a picture of a night gone terribly wrong. The Sandtrap Bar & Grill, a local gathering spot, was the backdrop for what began as an ordinary Saturday evening. However, as the night wore on, an altercation inside the bar spilled into the parking lot, where it escalated dramatically. Investigators determined that both parties involved were armed and exchanged shots, leading to the death of Terry D. Leach. The sheriff’s office has not yet disclosed what sparked the initial confrontation, nor have they released information about the second shooter involved in the exchange.
In the days following the shooting, the community waited anxiously for news of an arrest. The sheriff’s office, meanwhile, worked around the clock to piece together what happened. Their efforts paid off when, on October 25, deputies took Malachi into custody. He now faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, two of the most serious offenses under South Carolina law. Malachi’s arrest was confirmed by multiple outlets, including Queen City News and WCNC Charlotte, both of which highlighted the gravity of the charges and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
For the family and friends of Terry D. Leach, the past week has been marked by grief and uncertainty. Sheriff Streeter’s public statements have sought to offer some measure of solace. “We remain committed to seeking justice on their behalf,” he reiterated, underscoring the department’s dedication to solving the case fully. The sheriff’s office has also made it clear that the investigation is far from over. Additional suspects have been identified, and further charges may be forthcoming as detectives continue to unravel the events of that night.
The authorities have called on the public for assistance. Both Queen City News and WCNC Charlotte reported that anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can be provided by phone at 843-623-2101, sent anonymously via text to 843-287-0235, or messaged through the office’s official Facebook page. The sheriff’s office hopes that community members who witnessed the altercation or have knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting will come forward to help bring closure to the case.
As the investigation continues, the Sandtrap Bar & Grill shooting has reignited conversations about safety and gun violence in small-town South Carolina. While Cheraw is no stranger to barroom disputes, the escalation to deadly violence has prompted renewed calls for vigilance and community engagement. The sheriff’s office has not released details about any previous criminal history for Malachi, nor have they provided information about the weapon or weapons recovered at the scene. The lack of such specifics has fueled speculation but also reflects the ongoing, sensitive nature of the case.
WCNC Charlotte, in its coverage, has taken steps to humanize the victim, encouraging viewers and readers to share memories, photos, and stories about Terry D. Leach as part of their "More Than A Number" initiative. The goal, as the outlet puts it, is to ensure that Leach is remembered not just as a victim of violence, but as a person with a story, loved ones, and a life cut short. This approach has resonated with many in the community, who are eager to see justice served but also want to honor Leach’s memory in a meaningful way.
The sheriff’s office, for its part, has emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are still gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and pursuing leads related to other potential suspects. As Queen City News reported, “Additional suspects have been identified and further charges are pending.” This statement suggests that the incident may have involved more individuals than initially believed, and that the full scope of the altercation is still being determined.
For now, the arrest of Shereef Dont'a Malachi marks a significant development in the case. It demonstrates the sheriff’s office’s commitment to acting quickly and decisively in the face of violent crime. Yet, as Sheriff Streeter has made clear, the work is far from finished. The department’s ongoing investigation, combined with appeals for public assistance, reflects a broader effort to ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.
The Sandtrap Bar & Grill shooting stands as a somber reminder of how quickly ordinary disputes can spiral into tragedy. As the Chesterfield County community waits for more answers, the sheriff’s office continues its pursuit of justice, determined not to let this case slip into obscurity. The coming weeks will likely bring new developments as investigators press forward, but for now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and ensuring that justice is done.
