Crime
Child Killed, Twin Critically Injured in Belle Meade Apartments Shooting, Shawnteza La Shay Sherman Charged with Murder
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. — The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic shooting that occurred Friday evening at the Belle Meade Apartments on Fleetwood Drive, resulting in the death of a young child and injuries to two others.
Investigators have charged 31-year-old Shawnteza La Shay Sherman with Murder, two counts of Attempted Murder, and Criminal Conspiracy.
Additionally, a juvenile has been charged with a weapons offense for possession of a firearm while under the age of 18.
The juvenile is currently being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.
According to Sheriff Hobart Lewis, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when two groups exchanged gunfire outside the apartment complex.
During the shootout, two 5-year-old twin brothers who were inside an apartment, along with an 18-year-old male, were struck by gunfire.
Tragically, one of the twin brothers succumbed to his injuries. His sibling remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The 18-year-old victim sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and is expected to recover.
“This was a senseless and heartbreaking act of violence,” Sheriff Lewis said. “Several individuals recklessly fired upon each other, endangering innocent lives. Our community deserves better.”
Sheriff Lewis indicated the shooting may have been gang-related and confirmed there were multiple shooters involved.
He expressed frustration at the lack of public cooperation, noting that no witnesses have come forward with information.
“I hope those responsible are watching,” Lewis said. “There are teams working around the clock — at the scene, on the streets, and in this building — and we will not stop until every individual responsible is apprehended.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement continuing their efforts to locate and arrest all individuals involved.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of Greenville. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Crime
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.