14-Year-Old Charged With Attempted Murder in South Carolina School Shooting
— -- A 14-year-old who allegedly shot three people outside a South Carolina elementary school was charged today with one count of murder in the death of his father and three counts of attempted murder.
A judge in Townville agreed to detain the teen pending his trial, saying there was enough evidence in the case to hold him. He has not yet entered a plea. His mother cried as he appeared in court.
The boy's attorney, Frank Eppes, released a statement on behalf of the boy's family, in which they said they are in "mourning" for both their loss and for the "injuries to others."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and with the people of Townville and of Anderson County. We would also like to express our thanks to those who prevented further violence and treated the injured. Finally, we ask that the media and the public respect our privacy during this trying time."
Students were at recess at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday when the suspect allegedly approached the playground armed with a handgun, police said. A volunteer firefighter who arrived minutes after the 911 call was placed tackled the teen to the ground. A teacher and two students were injured in the shooting, including a 6-year-old boy who was on life support in the intensive care unit at a local hospital as of Thursday.
After the shooting, the school announced that it would be closed for the remainder of the week.
The teen's father was found dead of a gunshot wound at his home about two miles away from the school. The Anderson County Coroner said Wednesday that the death appeared to be a homicide.
