‘He never hurt anybody’: Family shocked after argument at senior home over food turns deadly

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - South Carolina authorities say a homicide investigation continues after a man died following an argument earlier this year.

The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office identified the man killed as 65-year-old Rufus Samuel Locklear in a homicide investigation that began in August.

The coroner’s officer said it was called to the Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care on Aug. 12.

During the investigation, authorities found Locklear died as a result of an injury that had occurred on June 10 at a home on Edwards Avenue.

The coroner contacted the Spartanburg Police Department for further investigation. After a forensic autopsy and working with the police, it was determined that the case would be ruled as a homicide.

Police reported that around 3:30 a.m. June 10, officers responded to the home for a reported assault. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Lance Cantrell and his roommate, Locklear.

During the initial investigation, Cantrell advised officers that he and Locklear had been arguing earlier in the day over food, which escalated into a fight.

Officers said they observed a fresh scrape on Cantrell’s left knee and right hand. Both Cantrell and Locklear were transported to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Police reported that Locklear’s condition was serious and later worsened. He was transferred to a long-term care facility, where he later died.

Locklear’s family said that he underwent three brain surgeries but that his health rapidly declined following the third procedure.

Detectives later determined the injuries Locklear sustained during the June fight contributed to his death. As a result, Cantrell was charged with murder.

On Tuesday, Cantrell was arrested and transported to the Spartanburg County Detention Center. He was denied bond at a hearing.

Locklear’s family described Locklear as a good man who would help anyone in need.

“He never hurt anybody. This shouldn’t have happened to him,” his daughter, Amy Kremper, said.

Kremper said her father had several health issues, including schizophrenia, which is why he was living in a home provided by Caring Hearts Christian Center, a program that offers housing and resources for seniors, regardless of their circumstances.

“We get you clothed. We have a pantry in our church. We get you shoes, clothes, and all that stuff,” Pastor Jimmy Garrett, who helps run the program, said.

Kemper said her father and Cantrell shared the home, with their rooms separated by a locked door. She said Cantrell repeatedly kicked the door and, when Locklear opened the door, beat him with his fists and the cane Locklear used to walk.

Garrett said his church has housed seniors for seven years and has never experienced something like what happened. He also said Cantrell was immediately evicted in June, as this was not his first issue at the center.

According to Garrett, staff have increased how often they check on residents from every other day to daily.

Cantrell is expected to return to court in February.