GAFFNEY, S.C. – A 17-year-old South Carolina student was shot and killed Wednesday morning near a school bus stop on West Rutledge Avenue in Gaffney, launching a multi-agency law enforcement investigation.
Gaffney police investigation
What we know:
Around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Gaffney Police Department officers heard gunshots near 500 West Rutledge Avenue. Officers responded immediately and found 17-year-old Jomiltron Sentell Fair Jr. suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite officers administering life-saving measures, the Gaffney High School student died at the scene.
The Cherokee County coroner said Fair was walking from his apartment across the street toward the bus stop when a male approached him. Following a short altercation, Fair was shot. Bus surveillance video shows the shooter leaving in a waiting vehicle driven by another individual. Fifteen children were inside the school bus at the time of the shooting.
Fair was pronounced dead at the scene.
SEE ALSO: Student shot inside Georgia high school
Active law enforcement search
What we don’t know:
Authorities have not released information regarding the identity or descriptions of the suspect or the driver of the waiting vehicle. An autopsy has been scheduled for the victim, according to officials.
Police Chief Gerald Knight emphasized that the investigation remains active and fluid. Gaffney Police are collaborating with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and federal partners, but specific investigative details are being withheld to avoid compromising the case.
What they’re saying:
“This is an absolute tragedy. It’s a sad world when our children cannot be safe while going to school. My heart is heavy for this student’s family and those 15 students who were on board the bus and witnessed this heinous crime,” said Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler.
Cherokee County support measures
What’s next:
School administrators implemented precautionary safety procedures and maintained heightened awareness across impacted schools.
Additional district personnel and law enforcement were deployed to affected campuses, and counselors were made available to support students and staff throughout the week.
Police have increased patrols around surrounding communities and nearby schools.
What you can do:
Officials urge the public to avoid sharing unverified information on social media and to rely on official updates.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Major Blanton or the Gaffney Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (864) 489-8115.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a press conference featuring Gaffney Police Chief Gerald Knight, Gaffney School District Superintendent Dr. Ray Dawkins, and Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III and statements from the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office. This story is being reported out of Atlanta.