At least six other people, including a toddler, were in the home where a seven year old boy was shot to death Saturday night.
The report from Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said the boy died at Columbus Regional. The incident was reported just before 9 p.m. at 2089 Braswell Road, Chadbourn.
Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said several people were standing in the yard of the homed when an unknown shooter in a vehicle opened fire. Multiple shots were reportedly fired, with several rounds entering the home.
The boy sustained two gunshot wounds, Rogers said. EMS transported the child to Columbus Regional, where he was pronounced dead. The shooting was reported just before 8 p.m. in the 2000 block of Braswell Road.
The report said that in addition to the victim, four adults ranging from 38 to 61 years of age were in the home, with a three year old. No other injuries were reported.
The boy was originally reported as being eight years old. While his name has not been released, Chadbourn Elementary School Principal Herman Bland posted on social media Sunday that a second grade student had died. Counselors were on hand Monday for children in need.
“Losing a young member of our school family is an immense loss that touches us all,” Bland wrote. “We understand that this news may be overwhelming and distressing for both you and your children…
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the student we have lost. We will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as we come together to support one another through this difficult period of grieving and healing.”
The sheriff said multiple agencies are assisting the sheriff’s office in the investigation.
”The SBI and Chadbourn Police are working with us on this,” Rogers said. “Since this was an innocent child, I called for all hands on deck.”
Investigators worked through the night and are continuing to search for leads today.
The child’s name has not been released.
District Attorney Jon David said his staff is standing by to assist in any way. Rogers contacted David shortly after the shooting was reported, he said.
“Whatever disagreements may exist among adults, it is totally unacceptable when an innocent child is caught in the cross fire.” said David. “I commend Sheriff Bill Rodgers for contacting my office within moments of this tragic incident. Together we are committed to deploying all available resources to bring the shooter to justice, including a concurrent request for an SBI investigation. We encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office.
“As a father of young children myself, my prayers are with the victim’s family.”
Records show the address where the killing happened is well known to law enforcement. Deputies have been called to the residence several times this year, both to investigate alleged crimes and make arrests. A 13 year old male was reported as a runaway from the home earlier this year.
The address was also previously listed in court documents as the home of Raheem Davis.
Davis was allegedly driving a stolen truck with Chauncey Askew as a passenger when Askew shot and killed Trooper Kevin Conner in 2018. Askew pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree murder earlier this year. Davis pleaded guilty to a single count of accessory after the fact in Conner’s murder.
The CCSO has responded to multiple drive-by shootings across the county this year, including several in the Chadbourn area.
Anyone with information about Saturday’s shooting is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
