Florence County, SC, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A shooting on North Old River Road in Florence County has left one man dead and two others injured during a drug-related transaction. 24-year-old Ky’ree Antwaun Taylor was killed, while a woman sustained critical injuries and a 2-year-old child was unharmed. The incident escalated from a robbery attempt involving a 16-year-old suspect who fled but was later located. Authorities continue to investigate the case amidst discussions on stricter bond laws following previous incidents.
Florence County, SC – A shooting that occurred on North Old River Road on a Monday night has resulted in one death and two injuries, all connected to a drug deal. The incident left 24-year-old Ky’ree Antwaun Taylor from Dalzell dead while a woman in the car was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition. Remarkably, a 2-year-old child in the back seat was unharmed during the conflict.
The shooting stemmed from a drug transaction, as reported by Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye. It was revealed that Taylor attempted to rob a 16-year-old suspect during the deal. The situation escalated when the teenager pulled out a gun, leading to a struggle that ended with Taylor being shot and subsequently dying from his injuries.
Sheriff Joye indicated that the 16-year-old fled the scene but was later located on Claussen Road. Fortunately, workers from a private ambulance company who were in the area came to assist the teenager until emergency services arrived. Following treatment, he underwent surgery on his arm and is currently hospitalized but in stable condition.
Both Taylor and the 16-year-old suspect were previously on bond and wearing ankle monitors for separate shooting incidents. Taylor’s actions during the drug deal are believed to have provoked the altercation leading to the shooting. Authorities are actively investigating the case, and a murder charge against the teenager appears to be pending as they collaborate with the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office to determine appropriate charges. The identity of another suspect who was in the car during the shooting has yet to be disclosed.
The incident has drawn attention to broader issues concerning criminal behavior and the judicial system. Earlier this year, Governor Henry McMaster expressed concerns over the current bond and pretrial release laws. In June 2023, a significant shift occurred with the passage of Law R-98 by the South Carolina General Assembly, which implemented harsher penalties for individuals committing additional crimes while out on bond.
This event highlights ongoing challenges related to drug-related violence and the complexities of addressing recidivism in the legal system. The Florence community is left grappling with the repercussions of this tragic incident, as law enforcement continues to investigate the details surrounding the shooting.
Key Facts summarizing the Incident:
– Location: North Old River Road, Florence County, SC
– Incident: Shooting connected to a drug deal
– Deceased: Ky’ree Antwaun Taylor, age 24
– Injuries: Woman shot multiple times, critical condition; 2-year-old child unharmed
– Suspects: 16-year-old suspect fled but later found; identity of another suspect not released
– Legal Context: Both the deceased and suspect were on bond, ankle monitors for past incidents
FAQs:
What led to the shooting in Florence County?
The shooting was part of a drug transaction which escalated into a robbery attempt by the deceased.
What happened to the individuals involved in the shooting?
Ky’ree Antwaun Taylor was killed, a woman was critically injured, and the 16-year-old suspect was hospitalized after being found by authorities.
What measures are being discussed regarding bond laws after this incident?
Governor Henry McMaster has advocated for stricter laws regarding bond and pretrial release due to the potential for repeat offenses.
Key Features of the Incident:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Location | North Old River Road, Florence County, SC |
Casualty | 1 dead (Ky’ree Antwaun Taylor) |
Injuries | 1 woman critically injured, 2-year-old child unharmed |
Suspects | 16-year-old suspect fled but was later found |
Legal Context | Both suspect and deceased on bond for previous incidents |
Status of Investigation | Murder charge against teen suspect is pending |
Government Action | Advocacy for stricter bond laws following incident |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- WPDE News
- Fox 56 News
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking

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.