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Fatal Drug Deal Escalates into Shooting in Florence County

Police investigating a shooting scene in Florence County

Florence County, SC, October 17, 2025

News Summary

A tragic shooting occurred in Florence County, South Carolina during a drug deal. The confrontation resulted in the death of 24-year-old Ky’ree Taylor and critical injuries to a female passenger. A 16-year-old shooter, who allegedly was involved in the incident, has been charged with murder. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event, which involved a child being present in the vehicle.

Florence County, SC: Fatal Drug Deal Leads to Shooting

A drug deal that took a tragic turn resulted in a shooting in Florence County, South Carolina, on Monday evening. The incident, which took place around 6 p.m. on North River Road in the Pamplico area, left a 24-year-old man dead and his female passenger critically injured.

Ky’ree Taylor, a resident of Dalzell, was identified as the deceased. According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor was attempting to purchase drugs from a 16-year-old when the situation escalated. During the exchange, Taylor allegedly attempted to rob the teenager by brandishing a firearm. In the ensuing confrontation, the 16-year-old managed to seize control of the weapon and shot Taylor. Following the shooting, Taylor succumbed to his injuries.

The shooting did not only result in the death of Taylor; it also critically injured his female passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed. Reports indicate that a 2-year-old child was present in the backseat of the vehicle during the incident. Fortunately, the child was unharmed and narrowly escaped injury from a stray bullet that was fired during the altercation.

The 16-year-old who shot Taylor sustained injuries during the incident and required surgical treatment. However, the teenager has since been discharged from the hospital. Law enforcement officials have charged the teen with murder, and he is set to be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice for further processing.

Both Taylor and the shooter were reportedly wearing ankle monitors at the time of the incident, raising questions about their respective legal situations prior to the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the drug deal and subsequent violence reflect ongoing concerns regarding drug-related crime in the area and the involvement of young individuals in such dangerous activities.

This tragic event underscores the potential dangers associated with drug transactions, particularly those involving firearms and young people. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, aiming to gather further information and determine the full context of the situation.

Background on Drug-Related Violence

The rise in drug-related violence has become a notable concern in many communities across the United States, including South Carolina. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on tackling the issues of drug trafficking and violence, particularly among minors, in an effort to curb such incidents. Initiatives aimed at education and community support are also being pursued to address the root causes of drug abuse and criminal behavior among youth.

Statistical Insights

The increase in both drug overdoses and drug-related shootings highlights a growing crisis that affects communities nationwide. As law enforcement and social services continue to address these challenges, their effectiveness is crucial in preventing future tragedies similar to what occurred in Florence County.

Incident Summary

Feature Details
Incident Date Monday, around 6 p.m.
Location North River Road, Pamplico area, Florence County, SC
Deceased Ky’ree Taylor, 24 years old
Injured Female passenger (critical condition), 16-year-old shooter (required surgery)
Child Present 2-year-old in the back seat, unharmed
Charges Murder against the 16-year-old, sent to South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
Ankle Monitors Both individuals were wearing ankle monitors

FAQ

What happened in Florence County?

A drug deal went wrong, resulting in the death of Ky’ree Taylor and injuries to his female passenger and a 16-year-old shooter.

Who was involved in the shooting?

The incident involved 24-year-old Ky’ree Taylor, a 16-year-old suspect, and a female passenger.

Was there a child present during the shooting?

Yes, a 2-year-old child was present in the vehicle but was not injured.

What charges are being faced by the shooter?

The 16-year-old shooter has been charged with murder and is being sent to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

What are ankle monitors?

Ankle monitors are electronic devices used to track an individual’s location, commonly used for individuals under court supervision.


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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE 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.

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