LORIS, SC (WBTW) –  A Loris man accused in the shooting death of a Loris high school senior was denied bond on Thursday morning because of a prior armed robbery. 

Aaron Miguel Vereen, 18, of Loris, faces a voluntary manslaughter charge in the death of high school student Martrellyiz “Trez“ Vereen, 18. The two are not related. Aaron Vereen, who did not enter the courtroom, was not given bond because of a prior armed robbery outside of the jurisdiction. 

The grandmother of Martrellyiz Vereen was in the courtroom during the bond hearing. “They left him to die where no one could hear his cries,” she said.

Tyshon Lamont Clifton, 18, of Loris, who was charged with obstruction of justice in the case, was given a $5,000 bond on Thursday. 

Aaron Vereen was involved in a “verbal altercation“ with Martrellyiz Vereen at the St. Stephen A.M.E. Church Cemetery on Monday when the argument escalated to a physical fight, according to the arrest warrant. Aaron Verren produced a handgun and shot Martrellyiz several times, police said.

Martrellyiz Vereen was a senior at Loris High School set to graduate in June. His family, who lives in Longs, said he always had a smile on his face. His family said Vereen was in the R.O.T.C. program and wanted to join the military.

“Trez was just like a big ole teddy bear. Lovable. That’s the way I describe him,“ Arvel German said.

Vereen and German were cousins, but she said he called her Grandmama. “He was proud, you know to work toward his goals, and he was working toward his goals,“ she said.

Vereen worked at McDonald’s and also for a funeral home. But loved ones said the most important work he did was for the Lord. 

“Trez loved the Lord,“ German said. “He would get up there and usher, he was an usher in the church.“

Vereen was an usher at Freemont Baptist Church in Longs. 

Anyone with information that may aid in the investigation is asked to call HCPD at 843-915-TIPS (8477) or email crimetips@horrycounty.org.  

If provided through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry, tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. For Crime Stoppers, call 1-888-CRIMESC (554-1111).

Extra counselors were at Loris High School Tuesday to help students and staff. The principal of the high school, Richard Crumley, posted a statement on the school’s Facebook page:

“Loris High School was made aware of the tragic loss of a student last night. We have received limited details of the death of senior Mar’trellyiz Vereen, and we will continue to respect the privacy of the family and show our support during this difficult time. The death of a student, however, has a ripple effect on the school community; therefore, Loris High School is providing counseling services to any staff or student at the high school who may be adversely affected by this loss.

We are grieving for the loss of a young life and its infinite possibilities; and, we pray for the family, friends, and students most affected by this event.“

Count on News13 for updates on this story as they become available.