Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Over the weekend, two shootings occurred in Allendale and Barnwell counties that left 10 people injured and one dead. Investigations into both are ongoing.
Renee Wunderlich, director of public information at S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), declined to provide specific details on the shooting in Allendale.
“On October 14, [SLED] was requested by the Allendale Police Department to investigate a shooting incident that injured four people at a residence in Allendale,” said Wunderlich.
Conditions of the victims were not released as of press time. Wunderlich could also not confirm the exact location or time of the shooting, though a resident reported it took place in the Razor Road area.
Shortly after midnight on Oct. 15, the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a shooting at a “very large gathering” on Quail Road, off Patterson Mill Road, stated BCSO in a press release.
“Investigation revealed that six individuals were injured by gunshots and five were treated and released from area hospitals. The sixth is still recovering in a medical facility,” according to BCSO.
Another female was transported to the hospital where she died of an unknown cause. However, that death has now been determined to be a homicide cause by a gunshot wound.
Barnwell County Coroner Denise Gibson identified the deceased victim as Jasmine Roach, 21, of Old Barnwell Road, Aiken (Montmorenci area). An autopsy performed Oct. 17 determined that Roach died of a gunshot wound.
The autopsy also determined that Roach was four months pregnant at the time of her death, said Gibson.
The Barnwell shooting has now been turned over to SLED to investigate.
“No eyewitnesses have come forward at this time,” stated BCSO.
BCSO is offering a $500 reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s).
Additionally, BCSO plans to meet with pastors in the Red Oak area to encourage them to talk with their congregations about the importance of coming forward if they have information about crimes.
“We genuinely need people’s help,” said Lt. Eric Kirkland, community relations deputy.
Anyone with information about the shooting incident which occurred on Oct. 15 should send tips to tips@sled.sc.gov.
