News Summary
The city of Florence is reeling from a tragic shooting incident that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old student, Ryland Calvert. Two teenagers have been taken into custody, and one faces serious charges including felony murder. The community is mourning the loss while authorities seek public assistance in their investigation. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of youth involvement in crime.
Tragedy Strikes Florence as Police Charge Juvenile in Shooting Incident
Florence, a serene city known for its friendly neighborhoods and vibrant community, is facing a heartbreaking situation following a tragic shooting incident that has shocked residents. Just recently, local police found themselves in the middle of an investigation involving two teenagers and the untimely death of a young eighth grader.
What Happened?
On March 26, 2025, at around 4 p.m., police rushed to the Southern Oaks Apartments located on Hermitage Drive in Florence, responding to buzzing reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they made a devastating discovery—a juvenile victim had been fatally shot in the apartment complex’s parking lot. This young life was that of Ryland Calvert, a bright 14-year-old student from Colbert Heights High School.
Teens Taken into Custody
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the investigators quickly jumped into action. They detained two teens, ages 13 and 15, who were initially found shooting a firearm into the air from a car while accompanied by a small child. These teens were taken into custody on Sunday after the incident near North Willamson Road.
The Investigation Unfolds
As detectives delved deeper into the case, they uncovered a shocking twist. Evidence revealed that Ryland and one of the juvenile suspects had planned to rob a third party. This unfortunate decision led them down a dark path, and things went tragically awry, resulting in the fatal shooting. It’s noted that the third party later reported the robbery attempt to law enforcement, prompting an urgent investigation.
In their thorough search for the truth, the police not only conducted interviews with witnesses at the scene but also engaged the specialized Florence/Lauderdale SWAT team. These officers served multiple search warrants across Franklin and Colbert counties, tirelessly working to gather additional evidence that could clarify the chain of events leading to this heartbreaking occurrence.
Charges Filed
As the details of the case emerged, officials announced that one of the juvenile suspects would face serious charges, including felony murder and first-degree robbery, with a bond set at a staggering $100,000. It’s important to note that under Alabama’s accomplice liability law, this juvenile can be charged with murder even if they didn’t actually pull the trigger during the robbery gone wrong. This aspect of the law emphasizes the seriousness of participation in such dangerous and illegal activities.
Community in Shock
The brutal nature of this incident has shaken the Florence community to its core. Families and friends of Ryland are mourning the loss of a young life that held so much promise. The local community is coming together, grappling with the sorrow of losing a child and the implications of such a crime occurring in their neighborhood.
Seeking Public Assistance
In a proactive step, authorities are reaching out to the community for help. Police are eager to gather any additional information that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident. Community members who may have seen something or have relevant information are encouraged to step forward and assist law enforcement.
A Call for Reflection
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder for all of us about the critical importance of community engagement, safety, and the responsibilities of youth. As Florence residents navigate through this painful time, it’s essential to foster discussions on violence prevention and encourage our youth to make safe and wise decisions.
The Florence community remains united in their grief but also hopeful for healing and a brighter future.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Teen Dead Following Botched Robbery Attempt in Florence
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WAFF: Suspect in Custody After Deadly Shooting in Florence
- Google Search: Florence shooting incident
- WHNT: Police Investigating Shooting at Florence Apartment Complex
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- WBTW: Florence Mall Sued by Family of Teen Killed in Parking Lot Shooting
- Google News: Florence shooting
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
