HOPKINS, S.C. — The Richland County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting in Hopkins that left a 16-year-old dead.
According to a report, the shooting happened around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday in the 2100 block of Horrell Hill Road in Hopkins.
Deputies say a teenaged male was shot in the upper body and was transported to the hospital, where he later died.
Several members of the community say they're shocked that this happened because it's really a quiet neighborhood and most people that live in this area are retirees.
"I think I feel kind of safe because I stay in my house. I don't be running around at night and stuff like that that run into all these people," said Julia Williams.
Williams said she didn't hear a gunshot but she saw police out in the yard and the road, and they were putting up crime tape.
"It is sad and it hurts me. I don't have no children of my own but I have a lot of nieces and nephews who I love just like my own, and my friends' children. It would hurt me real bad for something to happen to any of them, you know, because you love them."
The resident says she's never seen anything like this happen before and she's been around that area for more than 20 years.
"I'm sorry that the family is going through this," Williams said. "It's a tragedy, you know? I know. The ache in my heart aches with them ... Have faith and trust in the Lord that He'll see them through this but I know it's going to be hard because it's someone they love."
Deputies are asking for your help in this investigation as it continues. If you have any information, deputies ask you to contact Crimestoppers anonymously in any of the following ways:
- Call 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
- Use the P3 Tips mobile app.
- LOG ON to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a Tip” tab.