Crime
Calhoun County Teen Charged in Fatal Shooting After Allegedly Consuming Drug-Laced Gummy; Victim Identified as Darius Aiken
Calhoun County, SC – The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office has provided new details regarding a fatal shooting that took place Friday evening, clarifying that the victims were not wearing masks, despite the suspect’s claims at the time of the incident.
Deputies responded to a residence in the 300 block of Cardinal Road in Elloree at approximately 8:00 p.m. following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two gunshot victims.
19-year-old Darius Aiken, a recent returnee to the Elloree area from Summerton, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, who sustained non-fatal injuries, was airlifted to Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
Investigators later questioned a 16-year-old suspect and his father, who were also at the scene.
According to authorities, the teen suspect had ingested a marijuana-laced gummy and began experiencing paranoia and overheating.
As the effects of the substance intensified, the teen claimed he perceived two individuals wearing white masks in the kitchen.
He then went into his father’s bedroom, retrieved a shotgun, and returned to the kitchen.
Without provocation, he shot Aiken at close range, then fired at the second victim, who was attempting to flee.
The second victim was struck by bullet shrapnel but not a direct shot.
However, authorities later confirmed that neither victim was wearing a mask, and the shooter personally knew both individuals prior to the attack.
The sheriff’s office also noted that Aiken was the suspect’s neighbor, and the group had been socializing together before the tragic events unfolded.
Investigators are now working to determine whether the marijuana gummy the suspect consumed may have been laced with a hallucinogen, which could have exacerbated his altered perception and violent response.
Due to the suspect’s juvenile status, authorities have not released his name.
However, he has been formally charged with:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
- Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
The case remains under active investigation, and further forensic testing on the substance consumed by the suspect is underway.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward.
BELLEVUE, NE – A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting late Thursday night at a Bellevue apartment complex, authorities confirmed.
According to the Bellevue Police Department (BPD), officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 10:30 p.m. at an apartment complex near 13th Street and Galvin Road, just west of Bellevue East High School.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 21-year-old George Negrete suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately administered lifesaving measures before Negrete was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation between Negrete and the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Christian Lara.
During the confrontation, authorities say Lara allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman before shooting Negrete in the leg.
Lara sustained injuries during the altercation and was treated before being taken into custody.
He has been formally charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats.
The female victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Bellevue Police Department.