Family Demands Justice for Rayvonta Deas After Murder Conviction of Jerell Tresean McMillan; Co-Defendants Elijah Woeppel and Cooper Hawkins Still Await Outcomes

Berkeley County, South Carolina — The family of Rayvonta Deas continues to demand justice following the brutal 2022 killing that shocked the North Charleston community. While one suspect, Jerell Tresean McMillan, has been convicted and sentenced, questions and outrage remain over the handling of the other individuals accused in the case.

According to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, Deas, 24, was lured to an abandoned property on Black Tom Road in Moncks Corner on the night of July 6, 2022, under the pretense of a marijuana transaction. Investigators say the meeting was part of a planned robbery.

Authorities determined that McMillan shot Deas multiple times, killing him. Two teenage co-defendants, identified as Elijah William Woeppel and Cooper Lee Hawkins, allegedly acted as lookouts during the attack.

After the shooting, investigators say the suspects dragged Deas’ body to a nearby shed, doused it with gasoline, and set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. Testimony and warrants also allege that the suspects attempted to further mutilate the victim’s body.

Two teenage girls who were present during the incident managed to escape, despite one being struck by gunfire. They later sought treatment at a nearby hospital, which led authorities to the crime scene, where deputies discovered the burning structure and Deas’ remains.

McMillan later turned himself in on August 23, 2022. He was ultimately convicted of multiple charges, including murder, desecration of human remains, arson, and weapons offenses. A judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus additional decades for related crimes.

During the investigation, detectives recovered the murder weapon from a storm drain in North Charleston. Authorities also noted possible gang affiliations among those involved.

Both Woeppel and Hawkins were arrested and charged in connection with the killing. Court records show that Woeppel was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation at the request of his attorney, Joseph Cannarella.

Despite the conviction of McMillan, Deas’ family continues to speak out, calling for full accountability for all individuals involved. They describe Rayvonta Deas as more than a victim — a father of four, a son, and a brother whose life was taken in a calculated act of violence.

Community members and family advocates have raised concerns about potential disparities in sentencing, urging prosecutors in the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office to pursue justice they believe reflects the severity of the crime.

The case remains a powerful reminder of the impact of violent crime, as loved ones continue to seek closure and accountability.