12-year-old charged with attempted murder, robbery in separate crimes, SC sheriff says

A 12-year-old was arrested in connection with a shooting and charged with attempted murder, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department announced.

Just before 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, Richland County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Ranch Road behind a restaurant in Columbia for a shooting. They found a 14-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds.

An investigation found that the 12-year-old and four other juveniles got into an argument when the 12-year-old pulled out a gun and began shooting, officials said. The suspected shooter then fled before law enforcement arrived.

The injured 14-year-old was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The 12-year-old was identified in an investigation and turned themselves into the Richland County Sheriff’s Department headquarters on Friday.

The child is also charged with possession of a weapon under the age of 18 and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Other juveniles involved were cleared of criminal charges.

A different investigation discovered that the same 12-year-old is the suspect in another crime and was charged with armed robbery. Around 2 p.m. March 1, 2024, deputies were called for an incident of “strong armed robbery” at the 2200 block of East Boundary Road, the sheriff’s department said.

The child will be booked at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.