ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Late Tuesday night, deputies responded to multiple shots in the area of Marlboro Street in Orangeburg County.
When they arrived on the scene just before midnight, they said they saw a father holding his three-year-old daughter, who had been shot in the foot.
According to the incident report that News19 obtained from the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, investigators found numerous cartridge casings from assault rifles and handguns scattered outside the home and road.
The family told deputies they were in their home watching television when shots began, forcing them to seek cover. They say they had no idea who could have done this.
Michelle A. Green lost her two sons, Isaac and Carlton, to gun violence, one in 2006 and the other in 2016. She founded Reclaiming Our Youth Services in Orangeburg and says ending gun violence in Orangeburg is a group effort.
“We have to collaborate, different organizations partnering with law enforcement, with mental health, with victims advocacy and other nonprofit organizations coming together," said Green. "And getting a strategy together of what we can do for our young people."
Green says this work begins at a young age.
“We need to impress upon on children that the slogan 'rest in peace' doesn’t have to be for them. It can be live in peace," said Green. "We want our children to live long and fruitful lives in our communities. Know where your children are, and know who their friends are, and encourage your children that if they see something, say something. It just might save their life.”
The three-year-old was taken to MUSC-Orangeburg for treatment. She is expected to be OK.