Crime
Victim killed in Sumter Walmart shooting identified as 24-year Jaquante Montgomery
Sumter, SC – Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier on Friday at the Walmart Supercenter on Broad Street.
During a press conference Friday evening, Roark confirmed that Chanceler Lowery, 19, of Sumter, was taken into custody after being turned in by his parents.
At approximately 3:00 p.m. on February 14, Sumter police officers responded to reports of an active shooter situation at Walmart Supercenter.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered one victim outside the store suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The exact location of the shooting inside the store remains unclear at this time.
Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by responding officers and bystanders, the victim—24-year-old Jaquante Montgomery—succumbed to his injuries.
Montgomery was transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker. Baker further stated that Montgomery had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim’s next of kin has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Authorities have determined that the shooting was not a random act of violence but stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Lowery and Montgomery.
“This appears to be another tragic case of young individuals resorting to firearms to resolve conflicts,” Chief Roark stated. “Unfortunately, this is not just an issue in Sumter but a growing concern nationwide.”
The investigation remains active, and police have indicated that additional individuals may be questioned as part of ongoing interviews.
Chief Roark assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community, as no further injuries were reported. However, a heightened police presence will remain in the area through Saturday morning as investigators continue their work.
“This was a devastating event that shook our community,” Roark said. “Many shoppers were inside the store during what should have been a routine trip.
The fact that this occurred on the eve of Valentine’s Day, when families were out shopping, makes it even more troubling. We take incidents like this very seriously.”
The Sumter Police Department urges anyone with additional information regarding the case to come forward.
More details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.