PAGELAND, S.C. — A teenager was shot and killed at the Pageland Watermelon Festival Friday night, according to police.
Pageland Police released a statement early Saturday morning, sharing that a 17-year-old had been shot and killed at the Watermelon Festival on Friday night.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young individual whose life was tragically lost,” said the Pageland Chief of Police. “This is a heartbreaking event that deeply impacts our entire community.”
All festivalgoers were sent home following the incident.
Police said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting.
The Town of Pageland has canceled the Watermelon Festival. The town issued the following statement:
“With deep sadness, we announce that all remaining events for the Watermelon Festival have been canceled in light of Friday night’s tragic incident.
“Out of respect for the victim and their family, we believe this is the most appropriate course of action. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
“We thank our community for their understanding, and we ask everyone to continue supporting one another during this difficult time."
The victim, Sean Davis, was identified in a Facebook post.
Davis was a member of the Central High XC and Track and Field team, who made the following statement:
“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we are canceling (in hopes of rescheduling) the Melon Mile 5k this morning. One of our track runners, Sean Davis, was tragically and fatally shot last night. We have no words adequate to express our sympathy for all of the family. We are lifting up prayers for all of you! We love you Davis’ family and are here for you. May you rest in peace Sean! We were privileged to know you!”
Officials told our partners at ABC 15 News that they have arrested another 17-year-old in connection with the shooting.
Rodney Nicholson is the owner of a coffee and ice cream shop in Pageland. He said Davis was a good kid.
“He was a responsible man that’s gone way too soon, because of the violence,” Nicholson said. “People just don’t regard life anymore.”
Others in the town told Channel 9’s Tina Terry the same thing.
Davis was a local high school football player. Several people in town gathered to paint his jersey number on a mural.
This is the second serious crime against a juvenile in the past two months.
In June, Terry reported on a shooting into a home that resulted in the serious injury of 7-year-old Skylar Baker. There have been no arrests in that case.
Baker’s aunt, Jessica Raley, said Baker is improving.
“Overall, she’s doing well,“ Raley said. ”She has a long road to recovery.”
But Raley said she is also related to Davis.
“It just opens up wounds,” she said.
Raley held an anti-violence rally in Pageland and called on parents to do their part to stop youth violence.
“If we can see that they’re having issues, don’t wait until something happens,” she said. “Get the help that they need.”
The investigation into the Watermelon Festival is ongoing. Channel 9 is reaching out to authorities for updates on the case.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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