WALTERBORO, S.C. — A tragic shooting on Sunday evening has claimed the life of 15-year-old Caiden Fishburne, leaving the Walterboro community in shock and mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
According to officials with the Walterboro Police Department, officers were dispatched around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, to the Forest Pointe Apartments located off of Robertson Boulevard, following reports of a disturbance at Building 300 within the complex. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered Caiden unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound.
In a desperate attempt to save the teen, officers immediately began CPR and called for emergency medical services. Paramedics from Colleton County Fire-Rescue quickly arrived; however, they confirmed the worst—Caiden had no signs of life and had succumbed to his injuries. Officials later confirmed he had died from a single, fatal gunshot wound.
The heartbreaking incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and disbelief from family members, friends, and neighbors who knew Caiden as a bright, kind-hearted teenager with a promising future. Vigils and memorial posts have flooded social media as the community tries to come to terms with the tragedy.
“He was just a kid—always smiling, always respectful,” said one neighbor. “It’s heartbreaking. Our hearts are shattered for his family.”
Local authorities have not yet released details about the circumstances that led to the shooting or any possible suspects involved. As of Monday morning, the Walterboro Police Department has confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. They are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Caiden’s family, still reeling from the shock, described him as a gentle and compassionate soul who loved sports, music, and spending time with his younger siblings. He was a student with dreams and goals, taken away in a moment of senseless violence.
“We’re devastated,” a family member said in a statement. “He had so much life left to live, so many dreams. He didn’t deserve this.”
The Colleton County School District has been notified of the tragedy and is working to provide grief counseling and support for students and faculty who knew Caiden. In a statement, the district extended condolences to the Fishburne family and pledged to support the community during this difficult time.
As Walterboro grapples with this devastating loss, community leaders are once again calling for stronger measures to protect youth from gun violence. Sunday’s shooting marks yet another sobering reminder of the growing epidemic of violence involving minors in the U.S., especially in communities already facing social and economic challenges.
Police are asking that anyone with information regarding the events that led to Caiden’s death contact the Walterboro Police Department at (843) 782-1030 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
In the days ahead, the community is expected to come together in remembrance of Caiden Fishburne, honoring his memory with candles, prayers, and a collective call for justice.