One arrest has been made following a tragic shooting outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Rock Hill, SC where an 18-year-old was shot in the head, Rock hill police report.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The shooting took place outside the McDonald’s on South Cherry Road, directly across from Winthrop University. The teenager, whose name has not been released, remains on life-sustaining medical care, contradicting initial reports that suggested the victim had died. Authorities now state that medical officials are awaiting further observations before any pronouncement of death.
According to police, the victim was speaking with individuals in a gray midsize SUV parked outside the McDonald’s when someone inside the vehicle shot him. The suspects fled the scene immediately following the shooting.
On Monday, police announced that they had arrested 20-year-old Jameson Larone Dunham of Chester, South Carolina, charging him with accessory after the fact. Dunham was apprehended in Chester County and brought back to Rock Hill, where he is currently being held without bond in York County. Authorities are now actively searching for Dunham’s brother, Jerrique Dunham, who is suspected of being the shooter.
This shooting occurs amid increasing concerns about gun violence in South Carolina, a state that has seen a significant rise in firearm-related incidents. Recent data shows that gun violence rates in South Carolina are above the national average, with firearm deaths being the leading cause of death among teens and young adults in the state. In 2021 alone, South Carolina reported over 1,000 gun-related deaths.
Adding to the concerns, South Carolina’s “Open Carry with Training Act,” which took effect in August 2021, allows residents with concealed weapon permits to openly carry firearms. Critics argue that the law has contributed to a heightened sense of insecurity and increased incidents of gun violence in public spaces.
As the community grapples with this latest incident, the debate over gun laws and public safety in South Carolina continues to be a pressing issue. Crime and Cask News will keep you updated on any developments in this case and ongoing efforts to address gun violence in our communities.