By Mike McCombs
The Island News
A Burton man accused of murdering his 3-year-old daughter turned himself in to City of Beaufort Police on Monday, Oct. 16.
Jonathan Tyleke Fair was arrested in connection with a Sunday, Oct. 1 shooting at Beaufort’s Cross Creek Apartments that resulted in the death of a 3 year old. Two others were wounded, as well, after a domestic dispute occurred during a child exchange.
Fair, 27, is charged with Murder and two counts of Attempted Murder, as well as additional charges.
Ariana Fair died from her injuries at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, according to Beaufort County Coroner David Ott.
According to police, at approximately 12:41 p.m., officers responded to a shooting incident at Cross Creek Apartments, 325 Ambrose Run.
Upon arrival, officers observed a 26-year-old female – the child’s mother – with serious injuries. The victim was stabilized and was transported by EMS to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
Officers received a secondary report of a gunshot victim en route to a local hospital. Officers responded to the hospital in reference to two additional gunshot victims related to the incident. Officers located a 25-year-old male with non-life-threatening injuries and a 3-year-old with life-threatening injuries.
In addition to the Murder and Attempted Murder charges, Fair faces charges of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commitment of a Violent Crime; Discharging Firearm Within City Limits; Breach of Peace, Aggravated in Nature; Possession Of Firearm Or Ammunition By Person Convicted of Violent Felony; and three counts of Legal Custodian: Unlawful Neglect of Child/Helpless Person, Willfully Abandon The Child.
The last three charges stem from Fair leaving the scene and leaving his three victims to die without rendering aid.
“He had an obligation to help his child,” said Deputy Chief Stephenie Price, spokesperson for the City of Beaufort Police.
Fair was also charged with violation of his parole/probation. He remains incarcerated at the Beaufort Detention Center as of press time.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
