News Summary
In a devastating incident, five young men have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, who was killed while sleeping at home. The suspects, aged 17 to 18, face serious charges, including first-degree murder. Authorities believe the shooting was a retaliatory act linked to a previous murder. Community leaders emphasize the need for active participation against gang violence to ensure safety and justice for the innocent victims.
Aiken County, South Carolina
Five young men have been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, who was killed while she slept in her home in Beech Island on June 25. The arrests were announced on July 31, 2025, by Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer, who has condemned the shooters as “gang-banging cowards.”
The suspects, ranging in age from 17 to 18, are:
- Timothy Harris Jr. (18, Jackson) – charged with first-degree murder
- Brandon Pollard (17, Augusta) – charged with first-degree murder
- Tramain Wilson (18, Jackson) – charged with murder and criminal conspiracy
- Ri’Dauris Omar Blocker (18, Edgefield) – charged with criminal conspiracy
- Quincy Dunbar (17, Warrenville) – charged with accessory to murder and criminal conspiracy
Investigators believe the shooting was a retaliatory act following the murder of 18-year-old Tranard Sheppard on June 22. Notably, the intended target of the attack was not present in the home at the time and had not lived there for over a year and a half.
The shooting resulted in multiple bullet holes throughout Lavinia’s home. One bullet tragically penetrated the house and struck her in the head, leading to her being pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident occurred in the early morning hours.
Following the arrests, Lavinia’s family commemorated her life with a celebration at her grave, expressing their gratitude to law enforcement for their dedication to the investigation. Sheriff Sawyer has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and there may still be at least one additional suspect connected to the case, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
In a broader context, Sheriff Sawyer emphasized the critical role of community involvement in combating gang violence, stating that law enforcement alone cannot tackle this pressing issue. He urged community members to take an active stand against such violence to create a safer environment for all.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Department has been thoroughly investigating the incident, utilizing all available resources to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice. Community safety remains a top priority, as the authorities continue their efforts to uncover any further leads in connection with the tragic death of Lavinia Lowe.
This incident has shaken the local community, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence, particularly on innocent lives. The commitment of law enforcement, combined with community support, aims to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence and prevent future tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: 5 Arrested in Gang-Related Murder
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- WJBF: Two Arrested for Murder in Aiken County
- Google Search: Aiken County murder
- Augusta Chronicle: Authorities Charge Five in Shooting Death
- Google Scholar: Gang Violence
- WRDW: 2 Murder Suspects Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken County
- WJBF: New Information on Shooting Death of 10-Year-Old
- Google News: Gun Violence
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
