Newberry Community Reels After Weekend Shooting
The small city of Newberry, South Carolina, is grappling with a tragic incident that unfolded on a quiet Saturday night. As residents went about their evening, a shooting at the intersection of Emory and Hunt streets left one person dead and two others injured, sending shockwaves through this usually peaceful community.
A Calm Evening Turns Chaotic
It was around 9:20 p.m. when chaos erupted. The sound of gunfire pierced the calm, sending local residents into a state of alarm. Among those living nearby is Dawn Morales, who moved to Hunt Street just last November. In her words, “None of this has ever happened over here. I didn’t know what happened.” Witnessing the aftermath of such violence has left her feeling unsettled and concerned.
A Heartbreaking Outcome
Among the victims was 53-year-old Troy Leonard Sims, who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by the Newberry County Coroner, Laura Kneece. Morales expressed her heartbreak, highlighting the chilling atmosphere the shooting created. “I have a disabled daughter, and she was in her room; she got quiet real quick. The first thing that came to my mind was a bullet went through the window and hit her,” she recalled, emphasizing how a single incident could disrupt the safety of their neighborhood.
Understanding the Investigation
As police continue to sift through the evidence, Newberry Police Chief Kevin Goodman is leading the effort to uncover what exactly led to the shooting. Though details are still emerging, Goodman has stated that the incident does not appear to be gang-related, which offers a small sense of relief to the anxious residents. The investigation remains a top priority, with law enforcement reaching out to the community for assistance. If anyone has helpful information, they are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC.
The Need for Change
Dawn Morales’ grief is accompanied by a sense of urgency for action in her community. She reflects on the necessity of finding solutions to prevent shootings like this from happening again. “Just to try to have gun control, and to try to get the youngsters into programs to keep them busy,” she urged, noting a gap in available activities for youths in Newberry. “If kids don’t have anything to keep themselves occupied, they’re gonna keep getting in trouble,” she added, underscoring the need for community engagement and resources.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, the two surviving victims of the shooting are thankfully out of the hospital and are reported to be recovering. Their experience, along with the loss of Sims, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of violence. The community is already coming together to support one another in these trying times, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
A Call for Unity
The shooting in Newberry is a stark reminder that violence can touch any community. Residents are calling for unity and support to ensure that such a tragic incident doesn’t happen again. The road to recovery may be long, but together, the people of Newberry remain hopeful for a safer tomorrow.
