The tragic killing of four teens in a rural town of South Carolina sparked public outrage and sympathy with no arrests being made after local authorities are still unable to identify the suspects.
According to the local authorities, the male victims’ ages have been identified ranging from 15 to 19, following a horrifying discovery that rocked the small town of Newberry, located 43 miles northwest of Columbia.
On Sunday morning, the authorities received reports of a shooting incident that occurred in the 1700 block of Wise Street at about 12:05 a.m, leaving one 16-year-old male injured who later died of his injuries upon his arrival at Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Few hours after the first incident, another horrifying shooting took place in the 2400 block of Eleanor Street at approximately 2:51 p.m., leaving three males, aged 15, 18, and 19 severely injured and died of apparent gunshot wounds.
The authorities claimed that investigators are still working on identifying the suspects.
In an official statement released by Newberry Police Chief Kevin Goodman, he revealed that they are still working on figuring out whether the two separate shooting incidents are related since they happened within a block of each other and only several hours apart.
He also added that “the victims did know each other and were at least associates in the same social circle and were friends at least at some point.”
“I want to take time to say to my Newberry community: We must stay prayerful. We must come together and work together to find a way to help our young people. To the young people of Newberry, understand this, we love you and I love you. And I want nothing but the best for you. I’m here for you, and we have to do better.” Goodman said.
“I’ve been here my entire life. I started mentoring and coaching when I was a sophomore at Newberry College. I’m really, really connected with the youth. These are not just Newberry kids, these are my kids, kids that I spend time with. So it’s hard.” He added.
The chief who visibly showed growing emotions during the press conference also revealed that in his 27 years of service, “he has not dealt with a case of this magnitude.”
“As a lifelong resident of Newberry, not just the chief of police, someone who loves this community, someone who loves the youth in this community, I am in disbelief, and I hurt to the core,” Goodman explained.
“We’re losing our young people at an alarming rate and some things have got to change. These four young men have left behind parents, siblings, friends and other family members that love them, and wanted nothing but the best for them. Somehow, some way, we as a community, as village, have to find a way to reach our young people to avoid these types of meetings.” The chief told reporters.
Following the tragic incident, Newberry Mayor Foster Senn also described the “tragic 24 hours” and argued that “gun violence is increasingly plaguing young people across the country.”
“It was a tragic 24 hours in Newberry to had four young people – all children of God – whose lives were not supposed to end so soon. We are gravely saddened and extend our sympathies to the families,” Mayor Senn claimed.
“While we don’t know the details of this situation. Gun violence must stop. Young people with guns is a national problem, is a state problem, and is a problem in Newberry. The great majority of our gun people are doing the right things. For those turning to guns, there are going to be tragic and senseless ending such as those that we had in Newberry this weekend.” He added.
