Florence County, South Carolina, September 14, 2025
News Summary
An investigation is ongoing following the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old child in Florence County, South Carolina. The incident occurred on Midway Highway, prompting local authorities to respond. This tragic event adds to growing concerns over gun violence in the area, as residents seek answers and assurances for community safety. The sheriff’s office is dedicated to uncovering the details surrounding this incident while supporting the affected families.
Florence County, SC – Investigation Underway After Toddler is Fatally Shot
Investigators from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office are conducting an inquiry into the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old child that took place on Saturday evening in the Johnsonville area of Florence County, South Carolina. The tragic incident unfolded on Midway Highway, resulting in the death of the toddler.
As of now, details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being developed. The sheriff’s office has promised updates as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, authorities have also responded to a separate shooting incident occurring in Florence County, near the intersection of Sandpit Road and Dorian Road. In this second incident, a victim sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and leg. However, the victim is reportedly not cooperating with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.
Local residents have noted the presence of deputies at the scene of the two incidents for an extended period, suggesting that both events are being taken seriously by law enforcement. The sheriff’s office has emphasized its commitment to gathering details related to these shooting incidents, indicating the need for thorough investigations in response to community safety concerns.
Context of Recent Shootings in Florence County
The shooting of the young child is the latest addition to a series of violent incidents in the area. Just months earlier, nine teenagers from the Myrtle Beach area were charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Wright. This previous incident occurred on June 24, escalating after a disagreement over a girl, which led to multiple shots being fired by the alleged shooter, Devan Scott Raper, a 19-year-old who has since been arrested.
Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, faces charges as an accessory for her role in facilitating the confrontation. This ongoing case has resulted in numerous legal proceedings that are placing emotional strain on the families affected. Currently, there are nine individuals implicated in Trey Wright’s death, which includes both adults and minors. Among the newest arrests in this case are 18-year-olds Hunter Kendall and Corrine Belviso, as well as 17-year-old Sydney Kearns, all of whom are facing murder charges.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The frequency of gun violence in Florence County has raised alarm among residents, who are increasingly concerned about safety in their neighborhoods. The sheriff’s office has indicated that it will continue to pursue thorough investigations into recent shootings to provide answers to the victims’ families and to restore a sense of security in the community.
As investigations progress and more details emerge, both incidents will remain under close scrutiny by law enforcement and community members alike. Updates from the sheriff’s office will be crucial in informing the public and addressing concerns about violence in the area.
FAQ
What happened in Florence County?
A 3-year-old child was fatally shot in the Johnsonville area of Florence County, South Carolina.
Where did the incident take place?
The shooting occurred on Midway Highway on Saturday evening.
Are there other shooting incidents reported around the same time?
Yes, authorities also responded to a separate shooting incident near Sandpit Road and Dorian Road on the same evening.
What is being done about the investigations?
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating both shooting incidents and will provide updates as more information is collected.
What is the background of the recent violence in the area?
Earlier this year, nine teens were charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Wright due to a dispute, indicating a concerning trend of gun violence in the community.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Johnsonville area, Florence County, South Carolina |
| Victim | 3-year-old toddler |
| Incident Date | Saturday evening |
| Related Incidents | Shooting near Sandpit Road and Dorian Road |
| Previous Shooting Case | Fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Wright |
| Charges Filed | Nine individuals involved in Wright’s case |
| Sheriff’s Office Role | Conducting investigations and gathering information |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Investigation Underway into Fatal Shooting of 3-Year-Old in Florence, SC
- Fox 13 News: 9 Teens Charged in Deadly South Carolina Shooting
- WMBF News: 3 Myrtle Beach Teens Arrested in Shooting Death of Florence County Teen
- Live 5 News: 1 Dead, 7 Hurt Following Overnight Shooting in Florence County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
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.
