COLUMBIA, S.C. – Authorities in South Carolina have made a third arrest in connection with a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of three teenagers and left another injured. The most recent arrest involves a 14-year-old boy.
The incident unfolded on Sunday when deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to a shooting call in the 200 block of Saddletrail Road. Upon arrival, they discovered four individuals with gunshot wounds.
The Richland County Coroner, Naida Rutherford, identified the three young victims who lost their lives as 16-year-olds Caleb Wise and Jakobe Fanning, along with 17-year-old Dre’Von Riley. Despite efforts to save them, Wise, Fanning, and Riley succumbed to their injuries after being transported to the hospital. The fourth victim, a 14-year-old, was fortunate enough to be released from the hospital following treatment.
On Monday, the sheriff’s department announced the arrests of two 17-year-olds, Jahkeem Griffin and Karlos Gibson, in connection with the fatal shooting. The third arrest, involving the 14-year-old suspect, was announced on Tuesday.
All three suspects are facing grave charges, including three counts of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a handgun under the age of 18.
While both Griffin and Gibson will be tried as adults due to their age, the 14-year-old’s identity remains undisclosed because of his youth. Family court proceedings will determine whether he too will be tried as an adult.
During a news conference held on Monday, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott shed light on the motive behind the tragic incident. He revealed that the shooting was linked to a burglary that had occurred a couple of years prior.
“A beef that just continues to grow, then young people decide that they’re going to solve it by shooting,” lamented Sheriff Lott.
Court records indicate that both Griffin and Gibson appeared in court on Tuesday, at 1:40 p.m. The case has been moved to general sessions court, where a bond hearing for both teenagers is scheduled for November 8.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of violence among young individuals. The community mourns the loss of these promising young lives, and the legal process will determine the accountability of those involved in this tragedy.
