‘Live Like D.J.’

D’won “D.J.” Fields Jr. was known throughout Bluffton as a young man who “never met a stranger” and whose heart for service began in early childhood. From giving his shoes to a stranger in need to turning his Christmas wish list into offerings for others, D.J.’s life was defined by empathy and generosity, his father, Dwon Fields Sr., recalled in a recent interview.

Fields Sr. shared anecdotes that reveal a son who valued giving above receiving. At around nine years old, D.J., while on a trip to Atlanta, encountered a barefoot man on the street and insisted on helping, even offering him his own shoes. His mother intervened, and they instead bought the man a pair of shoes, which the boy promptly handed over. At age 11, when asked what he wanted for Christmas, D.J. requested nothing, opting instead to deliver toys and clothes to less fortunate children in Savannah.

“He just wanted to help,” Fields Sr. said. Those early experiences foreshadowed the kind of person D.J. would become; someone who lent money from his wallet to friends, someone who taught the younger neighborhood kids how to fish, someone grounded who “never let us worry,” his father said.

“He was always willing to help. He was his mom and my best friend. He wasn’t the one who always wanted to go to a party. We always knew where he was, where he was going. We couldn’t have asked for a better kid.” Fields continued.

That spirit extended into high school, where D.J. wore the number 55 as a tribute to his grandmother, who died just before she would have turned 55. When it was time to pick his number, he chose a different number than the 45 he wore in middle school. The number 55 became his identity on the football field, and ultimately, both his middle school and high school retired his jerseys in his honor.

His death in March 2021, at age 18 and weeks away from graduation, left the Bluffton community in shock. D.J. was killed in a case of mistaken identity, caught in a shooting after being misidentified by assailants embroiled in a violent dispute. Two teammates in his car were injured but survived. But the loss of such a promising, caring young man devastated those who knew him.

Since that day, the Fields family has channeled grief into purpose. They launched “D.J.’s Day of Giving,” held on February 24 each year, the 55th day of the calendar year. Local businesses contribute 10 percent of that day’s proceeds to the scholarship fund. Over the past four years, the initiative has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships, $2,000 each for about a dozen high school seniors or freshman college students, each chosen based on their academic or tradeschool aspirations, not athletic prowess.
In September, D.J.’s Day of Giving Back includes a blood drive – one of the most successful in the area, a 5.5 K run, food and games, extending the legacy beyond scholarships into a community celebration.

“We do it in September, always a couple of days before his birthday. We want to show our appreciation for the support that we have been getting since D.J. passed, because of D.J.’s day of giving, and for the support that we get. We’ll never get our son back, but we know the impact that our son has made on other people’s lives.” said Fields. “I was born and raised here, and I’ve seen all the changes, but the local people and the people that have moved to Bluffton have just embraced my family. No matter what you’re going through, you know that you can always lean on your community, and our community has showed up in numbers.”

Legal closure arrives, wounds remain

In late June 2025, the legal system delivered a longawaited verdict: Jayden Lamont Void, now 23, pleaded guilty to multiple charges tied to D.J.’s death, thirddegree assault and battery by mob, seconddegree mob violence, and firstdegree mob violence, with all sentences running concurrently. He received a 12-year prison term. Prosecutors noted Void had no prior criminal record and had cooperated with investigators, testifying against codefendants. He was the third person convicted in the case.

Two others were already sentenced: Jimmie Lewis Green received 40 years after a guilty plea in May 2023; Ty’leic Dae Jhon Chaneyfield was convicted in October 2023 and given life in prison on multiple counts, including murder and attempted murder.

Fields Sr. called the outcome “somewhat of a relief,” but did not shy away from expressing lingering pain. He was relieved yet reminded of what was lost: graduations, birthdays, shared achievements. And on Void’s sentencing, he acknowledged the measure of justice served, but noted that in South Carolina, inmates may earn parole after serving 85 percent of their term, meaning Void may be released years earlier — hardly a proportionate penalty for a life lost.

“For a crime that was so brutal, a case of mistaken identity. [To] get 12 years, knowing that you can walk out of prison in about six or seven years. To me, that’s sending the wrong message.” said Fields

Two other defendants, Messiah Kasheef Anderson and Shayniah Void, remain indicted and have yet to face trial.

A stolen memorial, community hurt
Adding to the Fields family’s sorrow, Bluffton officials and residents were rocked in midAugust when the roadside memorial marking D.J.’s life was stolen. The large cement cross, placed at the intersection of Bluffton Parkway and Flat Creek Drive, vanished overnight, leaving behind a gaping hole where it had stood for years. The memorial, which had grown over time with flowers, photos and personal mementos, served as a place of comfort for his family and friends.

“The theft of D.J. Fields Memorial is disheartening, but it will never erase D.J.’s legacy or the love this community has for D.J., Dwon and Kema. D.J.’s spirit continues to live on through all of us each day.” Said Bluffton’s Police Chief Joseph Babkiewicz.

Authorities are treating the incident as vandalism or theft and are investigating, though video surveillance has provided limited leads. Community members with any information about the memorial are encouraged to contact Captain Karafa of the Bluffton Police Department at 843-706-4564 or by email at ckarafa@townofbluffton.com

A temporary cross is expected to be installed soon, with plans for a permanent replacement within a few months.

Carrying a legacy forward
Through tragic loss, public remembrance and acts of community kindness, Fields Sr. remains committed to preserving his son’s memory. The Live Like D.J. - Team 55 scholarships, community days, 5.5 K races, blood drives and “J’s for D.J.” a campaign in which friends and family post Jordan sneakers on social media each year on his birthday to honor his love of Jordans, keep D.J.’s caring presence alive.

Fields Sr. emphasized that while his son is gone, his impact endures. “Helping other people is my reason,” he said. Even on days when grief overwhelms, D.J.’s memory continues to drive a commitment to service, community and hope.

The Bluffton community will gather Sept. 13th for a 5.5K noncompetitive walk and run in memory of D.J. Fields, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Eagles Field. Following the event, the Fields family will host D.J.’s Day of Giving Back to the Community, starting at 2 p.m. at Eagles Field, with a cookout featuring food, games, a live D.J. and fellowship. All proceeds will benefit the Live Like D.J. Scholarship Fund. The event is sponsored by the Town of Bluffton, Bluffton Police Department and Riverwalk Animal Hospital.

Those wishing to give may donate to the D.J. Fields Memorial Fund at Palmetto State Bank or support the Live Like D.J. – Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship Fund through cf-lowcountry.org.