LEE COUNTY, S.C. — The Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is investigating a drive-by shooting that left a woman and a 9-month-old baby boy wounded.
Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon said the incident occurred Thursday evening at the H&B Mobile Home Park on Herbert Lane, between the Spring Hill and Manville communities, near Bishopville. Simons says investigators counted 50 rounds shot into the house sometime around 10:45 p.m. Thursday, May 10.
The adult woman and four children were able to exit their trailer after the shooting. At that time, they noticed that their home was on fire. The woman, who had been shot multiple times, was able to call 911 and report the fire and the shooting.
Arriving on the scene, Lee County Fire and EMS requested a medical helicopter for the infant and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and an Arson Unit were called to the mobile home location. The mother was transported to a Florence area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the baby was flown to a Columbia hospital and is reported to be in critical condition.
In addition to the mother and baby, Simon said, “A 16 year old that's autistic and another 8-year-old were in the house. I mean this is senseless. Whoever did this callous act is heartless.”
Investigators believe the fire was not arson but probably caused by the gunfire. Based on evidence at the scene and witness statements, law enforcement believes two different guns were used, and multiple suspects are involved.
LCSO is trying to identify the suspects and the motive for the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 803-484-5353. Anonymous tips can be made at CrimeStoppers, 1-888-CRIME-SC.