An adult woman and two teenagers have been arrested in a South Carolina shooting that killed a 5-year-old girl and wounded two other victims — including the girl’s twin — the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday.
Shawnteza La Shay Sherman, 31, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and criminal conspiracy, while a 16-year-old suspect was charged with a weapons-related offense for possessing a firearm while under the age of 18.
Later on Saturday, the sheriff’s office announced the arrest of a third suspect in connection with the shooting, which appeared to be a gang-related incident.
That suspect, a male juvenile, was charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was being transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Columbia, where he would remain in custody, officials said.
Multiple individuals were involved in the deadly incident, which Sheriff Hobert Lewis described as “several thugs [who] began shooting at each other.”
“Obviously, these guys don’t care who they shoot at or what they shoot,” Lewis said at a press conference late Friday night.
Deputies responded to The Belle Meade Apartments on Fleetwood Drive around 5:30 p.m. following reports of gunfire, and found three young victims.
A 5-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Her twin was transported to a hospital in critical condition. “It’s probably unlikely that child will survive,” Lewis said.
An 18-year-old victim who was also taken to a hospital is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries and expected to make a full recovery.
The incident remains under investigation.
“We will continue our pursuit until everyone involved in this senseless crime is behind bars,” the sheriff’s office said.
