Who are Jahkeem Griffin and Karlos Gibson? 3 teens face murder charges for shooting 3 schoolmates dead over years-long feud
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: South Carolina residents Jahkeem Griffin and Karlos Gibson, both 17, along with an unnamed 14-year-old boy, have been taken into custody for the tragic murder of three schoolmates from the Eau Claire High School in Columbia.
The violent incident unfolded when the three teenagers fatally shot three classmates and injured another during a confrontation outside an abandoned house. As disclosed by the police, the altercation was a result of a prolonged and senseless feud.
Who were the South Carolina shooting victims?
The tragic shooting claimed the lives of three teenagers, Jakobe Fanning, 16, Caleb Wise, 16, and Dre'Von Riley, 17, all students at Eau Claire High School.
The sole survivor, a 14-year-old middle schooler, was injured but has now been released from the hospital after treatment.
The incident occurred around 2 pm when the three perpetrators allegedly opened fire on their victims while they were seated in front of an abandoned house in Columbia.
Moreover, the shooters followed them as they attempted to run into the backyard before making their escape.
Sheriff releases a statement regarding the South Carolina shooting
At a press conference, Sheriff Leon Lott said, "Over something stupid. Over something that happened a couple of years ago. A beef that just continues to grow and then young people decide that they’re going to solve it by shooting," as per the NY Post.
Lott mentioned that the conflict between the groups originated from a burglary two years ago but did not provide more details.
He added, "You have three teens who will never see adulthood. This is because of what? A disagreement? 'I don’t like you, you did something to me, so I’m gonna pay you back, so I’m gonna kill you?'"
"You stand here and you shake your head and you wonder why," expressed the sheriff, continuing, "Why can't these kids do something else than resort to violence and using guns?"
Charges against the three South Carolina teenage shooters
All three teens now face charges of three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and possession of a deadly weapon during a violent crime, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
They are currently being held without bond.
Eau Claire School District releases statement
In a statement, Richland School District One Superintendent Dr Craig Witherspoon said, "The Richland One family is grieving the loss of three young lives to senseless gun violence."
He added, "Three Eau Claire High School students were killed Sunday afternoon (September 24, 2023) in an incident that occurred on Saddletrail Road. Our Crisis Team is at Eau Claire today to provide counseling and support to any students and staff who may need assistance. We also have additional security on campus as a precaution."
Witherspoon concluded, "This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we ask everyone to keep the students’ families and the students and staff at Eau Claire High School in your thoughts and prayers," as per WLTX.