Crime
24-year-old man killed in Sumter Walmart Shooting, suspect identified
Sumter, SC – Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred Friday afternoon at the Walmart Supercenter on Broad Street.
At a Friday evening news conference, Roark confirmed that Chanceler Lowery, 19, of Sumter, was taken into custody after being turned in by his parents.
At approximately 3 p.m. on February 14, Sumter police officers responded to reports of an active shooter at Walmart Supercenter.
Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Jaquante Montgomery outside the store with an apparent gunshot wound.
Authorities have not yet determined where inside the store the shooting took place.
Life-saving measures were administered by officers and bystanders, but Jaquante Montgomery was later pronounced dead, Roark stated.
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office will release additional details regarding the victim at a later time.
No other injuries were reported, and officials confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the community following the incident.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Lowery and the victim were known to each other and had been experiencing ongoing disputes before the shooting.
Roark described the case as “fluid”, with interviews still ongoing. Authorities anticipate bringing in an additional individual for questioning.
“This is yet another example of young people possessing firearms and engaging in violent acts,” Roark said. “Unfortunately, this is not just happening in Sumter—it is a nationwide issue.”
Law enforcement will maintain a presence in the store area through Saturday morning as the investigation continues.
“This tragic event has deeply impacted our community,” Roark emphasized. “At a time when many were inside Walmart, finishing last-minute Valentine’s Day shopping, a senseless act of violence occurred. That is deeply concerning—not only for me but for our entire community. We do not take this lightly.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities will release further details as they become available.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.