EUTAWVILLE, S.C. — On Wednesday, Orangeburg County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at a home on Fountain Lake Drive in Eutawville. When they got there, they found a 6-year-old girl who had been shot.
An incident report said another child had shot her in her house next door. She was brought to the other home by a relative seeking emergency help, but it was too late.
“We lost someone precious this week,” Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said on Facebook, calling the girl "a little princess.”
Chief Deputy Sheriff Chandra Gibbs says this accident is heartbreaking.
“Our hearts go out to the family, of course, because no one could ever have imagined anything like this happening, and so what we do realize is as much as we are wanting to educate our families and educate our community," Gibbs said. "We also are making sure that we’re careful in providing that care and concern for that grieving mom and that grieving dad and the family as a whole.”
Gibbs said it is essential to keep weapons safe.
“We are intentional about our education and our awareness with families of keeping weapons of all kinds and just keeping them away,” said Gibbs. “Keeping them in a secure place to do our best to prevent moments like this, moments of tragedy.”
Eutawville resident Gary Hutson said this is not an uncommon problem.
“Now, we got a child who doesn’t have a life because of a serious mistake, and it’s a ongoing problem in the whole world, and it’s a shame to see it in your own town,” said Hutson. “I’m praying for the family.”
Neighbor Jessie Mott said a loss like this hits close to home for many.
“It’s really shocking. I used to be a teacher, so looking at it, you know, the kids weren’t in school,” said Mott. “It’s hard. I mean, I have a niece and nephew that are seven years old, so I had a tough time whenever I heard about it just because of that.”
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate. SLED said the investigation is ongoing.