3 found dead in SC apartment complex, police say. The suspected shooter is now dead too

Three people were found dead in a South Carolina apartment complex, according to the North Charleston Police Department. The suspected shooter then fatally shot himself.

Around 4:40 p.m. Friday, police officers were called to 9698 Patriots Blvd. #600 for reports of shots fired. When police entered the apartment, they found three dead people.

Police said that the suspect reportedly left the residence with an AR-style rifle and took a 5-year-old with him. The suspect also, assaulted someone by punching them.

Witnesses described the suspect’s vehicle, and officers identified and located it through a drivers license check, officials said. Officers arrived at the suspect’s residence and saw his vehicle. While checking the vehicle, the suspect emerged from the house with the child. He placed the child down and then fatally shot himself, according to police.

No further details were available. Police said the incident appeared domestic in nature.

The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office will release the names of the dead, officials said.

The police department and coroner’s office are continuing to investigate.

This story was originally published December 28, 2024 at 2:29 PM.

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.