Parmalee had performed at a nightclub called The Money Sept. 20 and was celebrating in its RV at 1 a.m. in the parking lot when the band became victims of an armed robbery, according to a police report.
Two men forced themselves inside the RV and one, brandishing a gun, demanded money, according to the local Herald. The band’s drummer, Scott Thomas, 37, drew a weapon and told the suspects to leave. Shots were exchanged, injuring Thomas and killing suspect Demorrio Burris, 22, who was found by police in the RV with a gun nearby. He was shot multiple times, according to the Herald.
The other suspect, Dytavis Hinton, 22, was listed in stable condition at press time. He tried to run and was found in the parking lot with gunshot wounds to his lower body, according to the police report.
The suspects are accused of firing first, Rock Hill Police Lt. Brad Redfearn told the Herald.
Dave Rose of Deep South Entertainment, which manages Marcy Playground and Stryper among others, told Pollstar Thomas, who was somewhat responsive, was listed in critical but stable condition Sept. 23 and had two of three scheduled surgeries. Thomas had been shot in the abdomen, thigh and shoulder. One surgery was to repair the femoral arteries near the thigh.
A website, HelpParmalee.com, has been established in Thomas’ honor.
Police have reportedly responded to 63 incidents at The Money since last September.
Click here to read the complete Herald article and here for HelpParmalee.com.