Three teenagers have been arrested and are facing murder charges for reportedly having killed three of their schoolmates over a years-long feud.
Suspect Jahkeem Griffin, 17, was the first one to be arrested by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, in Columbia, in the US State of South Carolina, on the afternoon of 24th September.
He was taken into custody shortly after Dre’von Riley, 17, JaKobe Fanning, 16, and Caleb Wise, also 16, were shot to death over a dispute about a burglary that happened years ago.
A fourth teenager who has not been named also received gunshot wounds, but they luckily survived.
Sheriff Leon Lott said that Griffin has been charged with three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Lott said: “[He] is most likely going to be sentenced for a long time in prison.
“We have three teens who will never see adulthood.”
Lott added: “A beef that just continues to grow, then young people decide that they’re going to solve it by shooting.”
The following day (Mon), police arrested 17-year-old Karlos Damon Gibson, who was charged with three counts of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a handgun under the age of 18, according to the sheriff’s department.
Both Gibson and Griffin will be tried as adults.
A 14-year-old was also charged in connection with the shooting, but their identity has not yet been revealed. They will be tried at a family court.
No bond has been set for Griffin or Gibson. A judge determined their bond would need to be set in general sessions.
Alexis Wise, the sister of Caleb Wise, told local media: “My brother was 16-years-old. Didn’t mess with anybody.
“They should never get a bond because this should’ve never happened.”
Wise’s godmother, who was not named, said: “Families are ruined.
“Murders’ families are ruined. This isn’t just a happening.
“We aren’t going to get Caleb back.
“Those young men are in jail for life. We have to visit Caleb in a tombstone.
“Their families are going to have to visit them behind bars.
“This is not a good thing.”
Gibson and Griffin’s are scheduled to appear in court on 8th November.
The 14-year-old’s court date has not yet been set.
