In Loving Memory of Akinyele Rhakem Johnson Gone Too Soon, Forever Loved
SUMTER, SC — The community of Sumter and Bishopville is grieving a heartbreaking and senseless loss following the tragic death of 25-year-old Akinyele Rhakem Johnson. Authorities have confirmed that 22-year-old Ealicia Samarae Davis has been charged in connection with the domestic-related shooting that claimed his life. For family, friends, and loved ones, the news has brought immense sorrow and a wave of disbelief that such a vibrant life is now gone.
Akinyele was more than just a name in a report—he was a son, a brother, a friend, and a young man with dreams, talents, and a heart that touched many. Those who knew him speak of his warm energy, his ability to bring joy to any room, and his deep love for the people he cared about. Whether he was laughing with friends, helping loved ones, or working toward his goals, he made an impression that will never be forgotten.
His passing has left a void that words struggle to fill. To his family, he was a blessing—someone they watched grow, learn, and become his own person. They celebrated his milestones, supported his aspirations, and loved him unconditionally. Now they are left to cherish memories instead of creating new ones. His absence echoes quietly in the everyday moments—those small things that once seemed ordinary are now reminders of the extraordinary love he shared.
The circumstances surrounding his death highlight a tragedy that has become all too familiar: domestic conflict turning into irreversible loss. What began as a dispute ended in heartbreak that will ripple for years to come. Domestic violence, in all its forms, affects families, children, and communities. It is a reminder of how fragile life is, and how important it is to seek help, support, and intervention when relationships become unsafe.
As the investigation moves forward and legal proceedings take place, the focus for the family is on honoring Akinyele’s life—not just how it ended, but how beautifully it was lived. He deserves to be remembered for the way he cared, for the laughter he shared, and for the impact he made in just 25 short years.
Let us remember him with:
- Love, not just sorrow.
- Gratitude, not just grief.
- Stories of his joy, not just the pain of his passing.
To the Johnson family, the community stands with you. May you find comfort in one another, in prayer, and in the memories that forever keep him close. May the pain you feel today be softened, with time, by the love that will never fade.
Rest peacefully, Akinyele.
Your life mattered.
Your memory lives on.
Your story will be told with love, always.
