Teen charged with murder of 14-year-old after botched video game system robbery

A teenager has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Sunday.

Desmond Marquise Cromer, 16, was charged with murder, attempted murder, attempted armed robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Tiquan Taylor, 14, of Irmo, died at the scene of the Sunday morning shooting, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said. Taylor died from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. in the 1500 block of St. Andrews Road, when Cromer shot and killed Taylor and shot a 15-year-old male, the sheriff’s department said.

Cromer had made arrangements to purchase a gaming device; a short struggle ensued when he attempted to rob the teens, the sheriff’s department said. He then shot both victims.

Taylor was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS, and the other remains in serious condition.

Cromer is being charged as an adult and has been transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott expressed frustration with the shooting over a gaming device, calling it a senseless crime that affected the lives of too many.

Taylor was a freshman basketball player and student at Gray Collegiate Academy. He played for Gray Collegiate’s junior varsity basketball team. He also played linebacker and safety on the JV football team.

“He was a great kid and it is so unfortunate with the stuff going on with guns,” said Dion Bethea, who coaches Gray Collegiate’s varsity team. “It is sad to see another young life taken.”

This story was originally published February 27, 2018 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Teen charged with murder of 14-year-old after botched video game system robbery."