The Community Times Dispatch

Colleton shooting may be connected to Studio 7 shooting in Beaufort early Sunday The sound of gunfire rippled through the air, nearly sounding like an echo from a fireworks display reverberating across several blocks. On the contrary, it was indeed a heartless gun wielding person shooting a firearm into a family dwelling. Colleton County Sheriff’s office reports place the shooting at a residence located at 601 Rivers Street at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. A twenty-six year old man and twelve year old girl sustained bullet wounds and other physical evidence remains etched into the wood structured house long after law enforcement officials have collected over two dozen shell casings for their investigation.

According to Colleton County Sheriff’s Detective Alan Inabinett, law enforcement is working to identify a suspect in the Sunday evening shooting. The resident reportedly told law enforcement that the twenty-six year old victim stopped by to visit when a hailstorm of gunfire began entering his home. The twelve year old victim resides at the home and was sitting on a couch at the time. The male victim was struck one time in the lower back and the bullet traveled to the groin area. Several projectiles entered the residence where a twelve year old child was struck in her hand with several rounds and struck in the back of her head with one round.

Both victims initially went to Colleton Medical Center were later transferred to a Charleston area hospital where they are both in stable condition.

Inabinett said initial reports indicated a Mercedes vehicle as the suspect’s mode of travel. As it turns out, the vehicle belongs to the male victim and was not the suspect. A report issued by the Sheriff’s Office on Monday stated there is a possibility that this incident is gang related.

Some sources believe that a shooting that took place in Beaufort County earlier Sunday morning may in someway be connected to the incident. The Beaufort County shooting reportedly involved multiple Colleton residents.

The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). At this time, no suspects have identified. Anyone with any information should contact the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 549-2211, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division at (803) 554-5700 or Crime Stoppers of the Low Country at 1-888-CRIME-SC.