News Summary
A 17-year-old male was shot during a graduation party in Laurens County, which attracted around 200 attendees. The victim was discovered with a gunshot wound and is in stable condition after being transferred to a hospital. The incident follows an earlier shooting that resulted in one death. Community leaders express concern over rising gun violence and the need for enhanced safety at public events.
Clinton, South Carolina – A 17-year-old male was shot during a graduation party in Laurens County on Saturday night. The incident occurred at a gathering that attracted approximately 200 attendees.
Clinton police were already on the scene handling a separate matter near the intersection of E. Carolina Avenue and Owens Street when they noticed a large crowd dispersing. Officers soon heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of 306 East Carolina Avenue, the location of the graduation festivities. In the aftermath, the victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound on Owens Street.
A vehicle near the scene was discovered to have multiple bullet impacts. The injured teenager was initially rushed to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital before being transferred to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he is now reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities are actively investigating the shooting and urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Clinton Police Department at 864-833-7512, Laurens County Crime Stoppers at 864-68-CRIME, or via email at [email protected].
Recent Violence in Laurens County
This incident is not an isolated event in Laurens County. Just a few days prior, on Wednesday, a shooting resulted in one death and a murder charge against a 17-year-old. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reported that 17-year-old Kevonte Cunningham is accused of fatally shooting 40-year-old Brandon Xavier Gadsden.
This earlier incident took place around 6:30 a.m. in the parking area of Millers Fork Trail off West Corporate Drive. Law enforcement apprehended Cunningham at approximately 7 p.m. on the same day of the shooting.
Community Impact and Concerns
The increase in gun violence in the area has raised concerns among local residents and community leaders. With two serious incidents involving firearms occurring within days of each other, there are growing calls for enhanced safety measures at community gatherings. The graduation party, which was meant to be a celebration for local students, underscores the urgency for addressing violence in public settings.
As the investigation into the shooting at the graduation party continues, local leadership will likely face scrutiny regarding safety protocols to ensure that future events do not turn violent. Community discussions may focus on how to prevent such tragedies and how to better ensure the safety of young people during significant life events like graduation.
This situation emphasizes the need for collective action and a reevaluation of strategies to combat gun violence and ensure public safety. The community remains hopeful for answers and solutions as they cope with the recent events.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Death Under Investigation in Laurens County
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
- WYFF: Teen Shot at Graduation Party in South Carolina
- Google Search: Laurens County shooting
- Count on 2: Man Shoots Ex-Wife, Kills Himself
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Charges Filed After Two Killed in Boat Collision
- Google News: South Carolina Violent Crime
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
