COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Wisconsin) – The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday afternoon that the fatal shooting of a 9-year-old was an accident. “This is a tragic situation and our hearts break for the family,” Sheriff Leon Lott said. “We ask the community to keep them in their hearts,” Lott said.
RCSD said investigators found that Christopher Scott III was shot as a result of two children playing with guns. Around 6:30 p.m., deputies received reports that a child had been shot in the 1000 block of Weston Rd in Hopkins.
The surrogate came across his mother as she was driving the boy to the hospital. Scott was transferred to a patrol vehicle while the RCSD and the Columbia Police Department worked to get him to the hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival.
The RCSD said Scott and another child took the gun from the home and played in a parked car. The gun went off, hitting Scott. RCSD said another child ran to help. “This kind of accident happened in a split second, and we implore parents to please make sure to keep guns locked at home,” Lott said.
The RCSD said it would not press any charges in the case.
previous reports
One Richland released a statement from Sheriff Dr. Craig Witherspoon following the shooting of Christopher Scott III. Witherspoon said,
“We were shocked and saddened to learn that one of our students was killed last night (Monday, December 19). Christopher Scott III was a fourth grade student at Hopkins Elementary School. Our District Crisis Team was at the The school, providing support and counseling to students and staff as needed. Our condolences go out to Christopher’s family. Especially during this usually joyous holiday, we ask everyone to join us as his family mourns and in yours in our thoughts and prayers.”
previous reports
A homicide victim was identified Tuesday morning by the Richland County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Naida Rutherford identified Johns Hopkins 9-year-old Christopher Scott III as the victim of Monday night’s homicide in the 1000 block of Weston Road By.
previous reports
A shooting resulted in the death of a child in Richland County Monday night.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were investigating a shooting that occurred around 6:30 p.m. Investigators said the department received a call that a child had been shot in the 1000 block of Weston Road.
The boy was driven to an area hospital by a family member. He was pronounced dead on arrival. The circumstances of the shooting are under investigation.
This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.
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