Greenville, SC — A community is reeling, a family shattered, and a city outraged after a tragic shooting unfolded Friday afternoon at Fleetwood Manor Apartments in Greenville. In what law enforcement has called a “senseless act of violence,” two young children were shot while playing inside their home—one has died, and the other remains in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased child was a juvenile under the age of 10, and a five-year-old sibling is currently fighting for his life after undergoing emergency surgery. The children had been inside their apartment, reportedly playing peacefully when gunfire erupted outside and pierced through the unit’s walls, striking both children.
The Shooting: Broad Daylight, No Regard
The incident took place in broad daylight, according to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators believe that a shootout occurred between two groups near the building, showing a complete disregard for bystanders or the consequences of their actions.
“These babies had nothing to do with the garbage going on outside,” a devastated family friend said. “They were just being kids. Playing. Laughing. One is now gone forever, and the other is in a hospital bed clinging to life. It’s horrific.”
Multiple individuals were injured during the exchange of gunfire. One 18-year-old male was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm. He is expected to recover. Another individual was being treated on the scene, and a second young adult was undergoing a CT scan for further assessment.
Manhunt for Suspect Jayden McCullum
As the investigation intensifies, law enforcement has launched a manhunt for 18-year-old Jayden McCullum, who is wanted in connection with the shooting. Authorities consider him armed and dangerous. The Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts.
“No street code protects child killers,” said Sheriff Hobart Lewis in a press conference. “This kind of violence cannot be tolerated. Someone knows who pulled the trigger. These shooters killed a child and nearly killed another—innocent kids who had nothing to do with whatever beef was happening outside. We need to get these individuals off the streets before more blood is shed.”
Community Outrage and Pleas for Justice
In the wake of the tragedy, residents of Fleetwood Manor and the greater Greenville area are voicing their anger and heartbreak. Vigils are being planned, and community leaders are demanding swift justice.
“What happened here isn’t just criminal—it’s evil,” said local activist Shauntel Briggs. “We’ve lost a baby, and another is barely holding on. These shootings, this violence—it has to stop. And the only way it does is if we stop turning away and start speaking up.”
Authorities have indicated that while one juvenile person of interest is already in custody, more arrests are expected. However, cooperation from the community remains limited.
“The silence is deafening,” said Sheriff Lewis. “We cannot do this alone. Someone out there knows who was shooting. And if you’re protecting them, you’re complicit in the death of a child.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Saturday morning, the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to come forward, anonymously if necessary, by contacting Crime Stoppers or the Sheriff’s Office tip line.
In the meantime, a family mourns, a child fights for his life, and a community grapples with an unbearable truth: that the bullets meant for someone else shattered the innocence of two young lives.