A tiny South Carolina hamlet is recovering after a devastating 24 hours on Sunday, when four teenagers were found shot and died barely a block apart, with no suspects identified or caught.
The deaths of 15 to 19-year-old guys shook the little community of Newberry, which is located 43 miles northwest of Columbia. As the investigation into what the police chief characterized as the greatest case in his 27 years on the job continues, local officials stated the county, state, DEA, ATF, and FBI all sending resources.
A shooting occurred in the 1700 block of Wise Street early Sunday morning at around 12:05 a.m., and a 16-year-old kid who was wounded subsequently died of his injuries at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Another incident occurred later that afternoon, about 2:51 p.m., in the 2400 block of Eleanor Street, when three guys, ages 15, 18, and 19, died of apparent gunshot wounds.
As of Monday, no arrests had been made, and no suspects had been named.
Several hours apart, the shootings occurred within a block of each other. According to Newberry Police Chief Kevin Goodman, detectives are still trying to figure out if the two instances are connected, but the victims did know each other and were at least associates in the same social circle and acquaintances at one 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.”
“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.”
Goodman said he had never dealt with a case of this size in his 27 years of service.
Both the chief and Newberry Mayor Foster Senn highlighted their little town’s devastating 24 hours, suggesting that gun violence is becoming more prevalent among young people across the country.
