Last week, a validated gang member from Lexington County was sentenced to 48 years for the murder of an 11-year-old girl.

The 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office announced the sentence of Quayshaun Clark, 30, following his conviction for the murder of Ta’shya Jay.

“During the trial this week, testimony established that 48 shots had been fired in the shootout which led to the child’s death,” according to a news release.

The trial began on June 27, and the jury returned its verdict on July 6, convicting Clark on all charges. The charges against Clark include murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and discharging a firearm into a dwelling.

Clark is not eligible for parole.

“Ta’shya was killed on June 9th, 2021 at approximately 10:35 pm when bullets entered into a home that she was visiting in the ‘Rocky Lane’ MHP at 735 Madera Road in Batesburg,” the release states. “Ta’shya was inside of the home with friends and family when shots rang out across the road. She was hiding behind a refrigerator in the kitchen area when a 7.62 x 39 round from Clark’s AK-P7 entered through the exterior of the home. The bullet traveled through an interior wall, entered the refrigerator, exited the refrigerator, and struck Ta’shya in the head as she was ducking nearby. She was killed instantly.”

Jay’s mother, younger sister and residents of the home took coverin the living room during the shooting, and a 13-year-old girl inside the home was also struck and injured by gunfire.

“Outside, at least six shooters were engaged in a shootout within the neighborhood, including Clark,” the release describes. “The identity of the other shooters remains under investigation by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation determined that the shootout was the result of an earlier altercation between several individuals in the Batesburg area. At trial, the State presented evidence that the shootout was the result of mutual combat by participants on both sides of the gun battle.”

According to the solicitor’s office, Clark admitted to law enforcement that he fired the AK-P7 determined to have fired the shot that killed Jay.

“It was later learned that Clark owned the gun,” the release states. “Detectives with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Crime Reduction Unit confirmed during the investigation that Clark was a validated gang member.”

The release notes that Clark fled the scene following the murder.

11th Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Meyers and Deputy Solicitor Rhonda Pattterson prosecuted the case. Chief Administrative Judge Debra McCaslin imposed Clark’s sentence.

Jay was a rising fifth grader at Batesburg-Leesville elementary.

“The murder of this precious child, Ta’shya Jay, has required the focus of our office for over a year,” 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard is quoted. “The profound impact of this crime on Ta’shya’s family, classmates, and the Lexington County community has been overwhelming.

“We stand by our commitment to protect children in our community from gun violence and ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe.”