Feds say shootings after teen’s death in Lancaster S.C. are related retaliation

Federal agents say burst shooting around little ones city ​​of Lancaster, South Carolina It is being investigated as related reprisals following the shooting of a teenager last month.

The violence included six drive-by shootings and spurred Charlotte-based agents into action. FBI And ATF A reward of $20,000 will be offered, according to a statement made late Monday.

city ​​of lancasterAbout 9,000 people live in the area, which is located east of Rock Hill and south of Charlotte.

Lancaster County deputies, city police, State Law Enforcement and federal agents are working together on six drive-by shootings that left one teenager dead, another person injured and multiple homes hit by gunfire.

Law enforcement has credible evidence that the shootings are likely related. Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Doug Barfield said Tuesday. A news release said there had been a series of retaliatory shootings following the killing of an 18-year-old teenager, but police did not say what evidence they had in the case, citing the ongoing investigation.

Jelani Jackson, 18, was killed in the first drive-by shooting on Clinton Boulevard on Sept. 4. The next day, shots were fired at homes near the intersection of Pardue Street and Arch Street and at homes on City Street.

On September 7, one person was injured when shots were opened at houses on Shelton Street. Later that day, homes on Cane Mill Road and Oxford Circle were hit by gunfire, police said.

Then on Sept. 11, shots were fired from a Dodge Charger on Foster Heights Drive, federal agents said.

One arrest: Police looking for other suspects

On Sept. 11, 19-year-old Kenyan Lamar Blair of Lancaster was charged with murder in Jackson’s Sept. 4 death. Blair had been in jail on other charges since Sept. 5, when he was accused of killing Jackson, according to sheriff’s office records.

Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile and Charlotte ATF bureau chief Bennie Mims said the violence must end.

“This indiscriminate shooting destroys property and injures and kills people, including those who had nothing to do with the disputes between the shooters,” Faile said. “It needs to stop.”

The federal reward will be offered for information leading to arrests and convictions in Jackson’s death and subsequent retaliatory attacks. Lancaster Police Department Chief Don Roper said he hopes the award will provide momentum for people to help law enforcement solve cases.

Anyone with information about the cases can contact ATF at 1-888-283-8477 or email [email protected]. All tips will remain anonymous.