Tragic Incident in Newberry: Local Man Loses Life to Gun Violence
In the quiet town of Newberry, South Carolina, residents were shocked to learn of a tragic shooting that took place on the evening of April 10, 2024. The incident unfolded at approximately 9:20 p.m. in the vicinity of Wise Street near Benedict Street. What started as just another night in the community quickly turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak.
A Life Cut Short
Upon responding to the scene, officers from the Newberry Police Department found 35-year-old Corey Wadsworth with an apparent gunshot wound. Wadsworth was quickly transported by Newberry County EMS to the Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Suspect in Custody
In a swift turn of events, authorities were able to apprehend the individual suspected of the shooting. The suspect, identified as Keeman Aljamek Bates, turned himself into the police without any further incident. It’s a relief to know that he did not resist arrest, which could have added more chaos to an already troubling situation.
Bates now faces a slew of serious charges, including Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, Breach of Peace High and Aggravated, Unlawful Carry of a Pistol, and Possession of a Pistol by a Prohibited Person. As of now, he is being held at the Newberry County Detention Center and will be awaiting a bond that is to be set by a Circuit Court judge.
Community on Alert
While this incident is undoubtedly tragic, local officials have reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Authorities have emphasized that this was an isolated incident, aiming to ease the concerns of fearful residents.
The Newberry Police Department, along with the Newberry County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are currently conducting an extensive investigation into the shooting. The community is urged to assist the investigation by sharing any information they might have regarding this homicide. Residents can reach out to the Midlands Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or directly contact the Newberry Police Department at T: 803-276-0625.
Reflections on Violence
This shooting reflects a troubling trend seen in communities across the nation, where gun violence seems to be on the rise. It serves as a stark reminder of the impact of such violent acts, not only on the victim and the perpetrator but also on friends, families, and the entire community. As Newberry grapples with this sad event, many are left wondering how we can come together to address and prevent such violence in the future.
Conclusion
The Newberry community is strong and will undoubtedly rally around Wadsworth’s family during this devastating time. As we await further details about the investigation, there’s a collective hope that this tragic event can inspire constructive conversations on ways to protect those we care about and cultivate a safer environment for us all.
