Florence, South Carolina – Following a summer shooting that shook a Florence neighborhood, investigators have now detained a total of seven people in relation to the incident in what appears to be a significant development following the investigation. The Florence Police Department confirmed that the final suspect, a juvenile, was taken into custody on Thursday. This arrest marks the end of a continuous investigation that has progressively revealed alleged involvement of adults and children.
The incident in question happened on July 29 in the Christopher Lane area, where shooting broke out endangering residents and damaging multiple homes. Police reports indicate that gunshots passed three mobile homes, one bullet barely missing a little child. Luckily, no injuries were reported, but the gunfire kept the neighborhood on edge. Now, after months of investigative work, Florence police believe they have arrested all individuals connected to the shooting.
The young man arrested most recently faces serious charges including attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and discharging a firearm into a residence. Joining two other young people already in detention, police said this person is the third youngster connected to the case.
Police arrested two more suspects linked to the incident two days earlier. They arrested 19-year-old Da’Mari Hyman on Tuesday, then on Wednesday Ta’leya Sellers, 20-year-old, and another minor. Four adults and three kids are now facing charges; other suspects include 18-year-old Triston Davis and 19-year-old Omarion James who had been arrested earlier.
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Currently held at the Florence County Detention Center, all four adults— Sellers, Hyman, James, and Davis—face several counts of attempted murder and several weapon charges. The three minors, likewise, are facing similar charges and are detained at the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The Florence Police Department’s investigation team worked tirelessly to piece together evidence from the shooting scene, which stretched over several months. Initial reports indicate that officers discovered a vehicle they believed was used in the crime and processed it for evidence. Later forensic investigation turned up fingerprints of two suspects, James and Davis, on the car. According to authorities, this physical evidence was essential in linking the people to the shooting and, apparently, placed both suspects in the car during the incident.
James reportedly also told authorities he was in the car when the shooting started and linked Davis as a passenger. Together with the forensic results, this information gave detectives important leads and boosted the case against the suspects.
The Florence Police Department expressed relief over the arrests, praising the efforts of detectives and officers that worked constantly to catch every suspect. In a statement, Florence police emphasized their commitment to public safety and justice.
“We are thankful to our officers and investigation team who diligently worked to solve this crime and not only bring justice for the victim(s) but to ensure our community is safer each day,” the FPD said.
For Christopher Lane area residents, the arrests bring conclusion to an experience that has plagued the neighborhood since the summer. Although no one was hurt in the incident, many of the residents had lasting impacts from the gunshot; many of them concerned about their imminent safety.
Now that all seven of the suspects are under arrest, judicial actions should start in the next weeks. Along with several weapons-related violations, each of the adults faces serious charges of attempted murder. The youngsters will likewise be charged the same in juvenile court. Given the severity of the accusations and the number of individuals involved, the case is likely to draw considerable public attention as it moves through the legal system.
The Florence Police Department remains dedicated to maintaining the safety of Florence’s neighborhoods and prosecuting those who conduct violent crimes.
Once more details are available, we will update the story.
