Suspect Apprehended in Syracuse Murder Case
The U.S. Marshals Service arrested 23-year-old Divinetae Toatley in South Carolina.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Violence
Federal authorities have apprehended Divinetae Toatley in Columbia, South Carolina, in connection to a fatal shooting in Syracuse. Toatley, 23, is now awaiting extradition to face murder charges.
Why it matters
The arrest represents a critical step in a homicide investigation that also involved the death of 39-year-old Deron McGee. Authorities previously apprehended co-defendant Shaquan Hyppolite in New Jersey.
Divinetae Toatley faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The suspect is currently held pending extradition to Syracuse.
The players
Divinetae Toatley
The 23-year-old suspect was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in South Carolina.
Shaquan Hyppolite
A 27-year-old individual arrested in May and accused of participating in the shooting.
Deron McGee
The 39-year-old victim died following a gunshot wound sustained during the incident.
United States Marshals Service
The federal agency tasked with locating and arresting fugitives who have crossed state lines.
The details
Police responded to a shooting on the 200 block of Warner Avenue near Brighton Academy Middle School on April 8, 2026. During the incident, Deron McGee was fatally shot and a 10-year-old child was grazed by a bullet.
Timeline
April 8, 2026: The shooting occurred on Warner Avenue.
May 2026: Co-defendant Shaquan Hyppolite was arrested in New Jersey.
October 7, 2026: Divinetae Toatley was apprehended in Columbia.
Legal Context
This case follows standard protocols for the multi-state pursuit and extradition of suspects in the prosecution of violent offenses involving weapon possession. Law enforcement agencies frequently utilize task forces to track suspects across state lines when local crimes escalate to federal involvement.
The apprehension of a murder suspect provides closure to an investigation following a shooting near a middle school. Residents may see continued police activity as the case moves toward trial and extradition proceedings.
The takeaway
Communities often rely on multi-agency cooperation to resolve violent crimes that span across several states. Ensuring the apprehension of all involved parties is a foundational step in the judicial process for major felony charges.
Further reading
For more information on local safety efforts, see the Violence section.
