Teen killed and 14 people wounded in shooting at ‘illegal’ concert, SC police say
A teenager was killed and more than a dozen people were injured in a shooting at a Saturday night concert in North Charleston.
A 14-year-old girl died and at least 14 people were shot, North Charleston Police Deputy Chief Scott Deckard told The State on Sunday.
No non-shooting-related injuries were reported, according to Deckard.
“It’s sad that we have to be here today to talk about another death of another young person,” North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess said while fighting back tears at a news conference.
Police said the gunfire erupted at an “unauthorized” outdoor concert late Saturday night. Information on who performed and who organized the concert was not available.
At about 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the shooting in the area near Piggly Wiggly Drive and W. Jimtown Drive. That’s in the Ashely Junction area, near U.S. 78 and its connection with Interstate 526 and Interstate 26.
Responding officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, Deckard said.
Deckard confirmed a fight broke out near the stage during the concert and escalated to gunfire.
The concert that included a stage, bar and drinks was held on private property, and Burgess said it was unannounced and illegal because alcohol was being sold.
“They made money at the cost of a life and made money victimizing people,” Burgess said of the organizers, who are expected to face criminal charges. “It was illegal all the way around. ... Law enforcement had no clue about this, but if we we had we could’ve saved a life.”
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office is expected to publicly identify the girl after notifying her family.
“She’s never going to have the opportunity to go to the prom or to graduate,” Burgess said.
Information on the conditions of the other gunshot victims was not available.
Police said EMS took several victims to area hospitals, where other people who had been hurt in the shooting were already being treated after getting their own rides.
Burgess said there were multiple shooters but there is no word on them, or a motive for the gunfire. No arrests have been reported by police.
The shooting remains under investigation by police, who were on the scene until 5 a.m., according to Burgess.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call police at 843-740-2800, or Lowcountry CrimeStoppers at 843-554-1111 or submit an online tip.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2021 at 11:22 AM.
