The family is demanding justice as a repeat offender accused of killing Da’Twan Gatling

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCIV) — The criminal history of the man accused of killing a North Charleston Public Works employee is coming to light.

“I feel like the justice system has failed us,” said Aleasia Burnell, the mother of Da’Twan Gatling, who was shot and killed in July. “Da’Twan was very loving, very caring, very understanding.

“Da’Twan has five children, he has siblings, meaning two of my children. And Da’Twan was very loving. He was very polite and respected and loved everyone around him.”

On July 18, Gatling, 26, was shot and killed while on duty.

“He worked, he was at his job, taking care of his business, working hard for his family, and here comes someone and he took his own life because he felt he could,” said North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess. “Not only did he shoot a young man in cold blood, he even took a father away from young children.”

READ MORE | “Suspect Arrested in New York for Killing of North Charleston Public Works Employee”.

Tyrell Lamont Smith, 24, was arrested in New York earlier this month in connection with the shooting.

But this wasn’t Smith’s first brush with the law.

According to SLED documents, and after searching his name on the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center website, it is apparent that Smith had been arrested five times before.

His charges ranged from possession of a firearm in 2017 to attempted murder in 2019.

“I want to know how the attorney’s office let him walk the streets of North Charleston knowing that he was charged with multiple crimes and that he was able to go out on the street and take my son’s life while he was on the job,” said Burnell. . “Why wasn’t he held accountable? Why wasn’t he in jail for the things he already did?

“It’s a relief that he’s out on the street, which means he can’t hurt anyone else.”

“I’m angry. i am angry There are so many emotions that I feel like he’s a repeat offender, knowing that he was able to take my son’s life while my son was at work,” Burnell added. “He has absolutely no respect for anyone else’s life. And he has no remorse. He has no feelings towards human beings at all. I feel like it’s closed. He should be locked up for the rest of his life.”

READ MORE | “N. Charleston public worker killed in shooting: Business manager shares what he saw’.

Da’Twan’s aunt, Kim Gatling, also sent a statement to News 4.

“I don’t know where to start. All I feel is heartbreak,” the statement read. “We are all a united family that we all hurt. This senseless death of a humble, sweet, fun-loving family man who loved everyone to be taken from his family and us.

The statement continued: “Da’Twan enjoyed being able to work honestly and take care of his children, and we can’t get him back. Datwan’s heart was so kind from a child to his last breath and that is why it is so incredible that someone took him while he was making an honest living for his family/children. Justice is what the family needs/wants.”

“I want GOD to deal with him in His own way. My family was notified that Tyrell was captured in NYC the same day, but why did the family have to contact city officials to have it publicized in SC where the crime was committed? Our family is traumatized and heartbroken. So bring him back to the SC promptly so that justice can be served.”

NCPD says Smith is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime and is pending extradition to South Carolina.

READ MORE | “Coroner identifies North Charleston Public Works employee killed in shooting”.