SLED investigating shooting that occurred Sunday in Jasper County
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Two teenagers, both Battery Creek High School students, were shot and killed in Jasper County on Sunday evening, while a third was shot and hospitalized, according to the Jasper County Coroner’s office.
According to Jasper County Coroner Willie P. Aiken, the incident occurred near 281 Etheridge Road in Yemassee. Aiken identified the deceased as Jorge Lopez, 18 years old, of Beaufort, and a 16-year-old male from Yemassee.
Aiken declined to identify the 16 year old, saying his office does not disclose the identities of minors. But a source confirmed to The Island News that the identity of the second deceased victim was Jaquavios K. Williams Howard, 16, of Yemassee.
Media reports indicate the fatal gunfire may have originated from inside the car Lopez was driving.
According to Aiken, “Lopez was transported by ambulance to Coastal Carolina Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased due to multiple gunshot injuries.” Howard was pronounced “dead at the scene as a result of multiple gunshot injuries.”
The third victim, a female passenger, was also taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Ryan Alphin, Executive Affairs Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, SLED is handling the investigation at the request of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
SLED indicated in a statement that “no additional information is available at this time while agents continue to investigate.” SLED directs any inquiries, at this time, regarding the deceased, to the Jasper County Coroner’s Office.
Battery Creek High School faculty, staff and administration were informed of the tragedy Monday via a text message. Later that day, the school sent out a release for parents:
As you know, two of our students passed away this weekend in an incident that occurred in the community. As an active law enforcement investigation, the school is unable to provide any further information.
Our school will provide and opportunity for students and staff to discuss and work through issues related to the crisis and grief process. Your child will have the option to participate in counseling. Staff will continue to be available as needed to help students deal with their grief. Participation in these activities is voluntary.
Please pay particular attention to your child’s emotional needs during the next few weeks, especially if he or she was close to the deceased.
– Encourage your child to talk with you abot the feeling he or she is experiencing concerning the death. Judiciously sharing similar experiences that you have had may be useful. Make yourself available to talk about the death and to answer questions.
– Be aware that your children may not feel like themselves for a while. Talk about ways to feel better.
– Initiate a discussion of the death with your child. Research shows that this helps the healing process.
– You may wish to accompany your child to the funeral or memorial service, if you judge that this is necessary.
– Watch for ongoing signs of difficulty, which may indicate that your child may need additional help. Possible signs are prolonged sadness, withdrawal from social contact, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or other behaviors unusual for your child.
If you need assistance, please contact the school. Our counselors can provide a list of district and school community resources.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
