News Summary
A 17-year-old male was injured in a shooting incident during a graduation party in Laurens County, South Carolina, which was attended by around 200 people. Local police officers heard the gunshots and found the teenager with a gunshot wound. He was treated at a local hospital and is in stable condition. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. This incident follows another shooting where a 69-year-old man was killed, highlighting ongoing concerns about community safety.
Laurens County, South Carolina – A 17-year-old male was injured in a shooting at a graduation party attended by approximately 200 people on Saturday night. The incident occurred near the intersection of East Carolina Avenue and Owens Street in Laurens County.
According to local law enforcement, Clinton police officers were nearby handling a separate incident when they heard the sound of multiple gunshots and observed crowds fleeing the area. The teenager was found on Owens Street suffering from a gunshot wound.
The injured boy was initially taken to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital and was later transferred to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Clinton Police Department or Laurens County Crime Stoppers.
In a related but separate incident, a 69-year-old man named Rufford Jones was shot and killed on Florence Street in Clinton on Tuesday night around 11:17 PM. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at the scene and found Jones lying injured in the roadway. Medical assistance was provided, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The suspect in this case, 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, was detained at the scene and charged with murder, breach of peace-aggravated, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Viner is currently held at Johnson Detention Center and is awaiting a scheduled bond hearing.
Recent Events
The shooting at the graduation party unfolded in a neighborhood that had gathered to celebrate, and it has raised concerns among residents. With approximately 200 people in attendance, the event quickly turned chaotic as attendees fled in fear when shots were fired.
The investigation into the graduation party shooting is ongoing, with police actively seeking information from the public. The Clinton Police Department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of the community.
In the case of Rufford Jones’s shooting, the Laurens County Coroner’s Office confirmed multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death. Although the incident is under investigation, police have indicated that it appears to be isolated and does not pose an ongoing threat to the nearby community.
Community Response
The recent violence has shocked residents of Laurens County, and local authorities are working diligently to maintain public safety. Police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving these crimes. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or information regarding the incidents directly to law enforcement.
In light of these events, community members are reminded to stay vigilant and report any information that may aid police efforts. Local officials continue to express their commitment to investigating these cases thoroughly and apprehending those responsible for these violent acts.
Contact Information
Anyone with leads on the shooting at the graduation party is urged to reach out to the Clinton Police Department at 864-833-7512, or contact Laurens County Crime Stoppers at 864-68-CRIME or via email at cpdtips@cityofclintonsc.com.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Teen Shot at Graduation Party
- Wikipedia: Laurens County, South Carolina
- My Clinton News: Murder Charge Against Kevonte Cunningham
- Google Search: Laurens County shooting
- GoLaurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Google Scholar: Laurens County shootings
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found in Laurens Co.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Laurens County
- WSPA: 1 Dead, 1 Arrested After Shooting in Laurens Co.
- Google News: Laurens County violence
