News Summary
Five teenagers have been charged in the tragic shooting death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe in Beech Island, Aiken County. The shooting, described as gang-related, occurred on June 25 when Lavinia was shot while sleeping. The incident has raised serious concerns about gang violence in the community. Sheriff Marty Sawyer condemned the attackers, calling for increased community involvement in combating gang activity. The family and the community continue to mourn Lavinia’s loss, prompting calls for greater safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Aiken County – Five teenagers have been charged in connection with the tragic shooting death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, who was fatally injured in her Beech Island home on June 25. The incident, described by Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer as a gang-related retaliation gone wrong, has raised significant concern in the community regarding gang violence.
Lavinia, affectionately nicknamed “Muffin” by family and friends, was shot in the head while she slept, as multiple bullets struck her home. The shooting reportedly stemmed from the earlier slaying of an 18-year-old named Tranard Sheppard in Warrenville on June 22, leading to a violent act aimed at targeted individuals. However, the attackers mistakenly targeted Lavinia’s residence, which had not been home to the intended target for over a year and a half.
The suspects charged with murder include Timothy Harris Jr., an 18-year-old from Jackson, Brandon Jamar Pollard, a 17-year-old from Augusta, and Tramain Amarion Wilson, also an 18-year-old from Jackson. Additionally, Tramain Wilson faces charges for criminal conspiracy related to the attack. Other suspects include Ri’Dauris Omar Blocker, 18, from Edgefield, charged with criminal conspiracy, and Quincy Dunbar, 17, from Warrenville, charged as a felony accessory. Recently, a sixth individual, Fredrick Lamar Trottie Jr., 32, from Jackson, was also charged with criminal conspiracy and is currently in custody at the Aiken County Detention Center.
The shooting left evident signs of violence, with multiple bullet holes found in Lavinia’s home, flags signaling the reckless and indiscriminate nature of the attackers. Sheriff Sawyer condemned the suspects, calling them “gang-banging cowards” for their attack on innocent individuals and highlighted the significance of community involvement in addressing gang-related violence in the area. He emphasized that law enforcement cannot tackle the complex issue of gang activity alone and called for greater awareness and action from the community to combat such violence.
In response to the arrests, Lavinia’s family expressed their ongoing grief and highlighted the profound impact of her loss, particularly on her mother, who described Lavinia as her best friend. The family has received substantial support from both the community and relatives, with some celebrating the arrests at Lavinia’s gravesite.
This tragic incident has prompted a more intense focus on addressing gang violence in Aiken County. Local law enforcement invested significant resources into the investigation, seeking justice for Lavinia Lowe and ensuring accountability for those involved in this heinous act.
The events surrounding Lavinia’s death have stirred emotions in the community, prompting discussions about safety and the urgent need to confront gang violence effectively. In light of this tragedy, many community members are now more aware of the prevalence of gangs and the impact that such violence has on families and innocent victims like Lavinia.
As the investigation continues, local leaders and officials are expected to engage in dialogue and initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The profound loss of a child has not only shocked the local community but has also highlighted the urgent necessity for collective action against gang violence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken, S.C. Proposes Tiny Home Community for the Homeless
CSRA Schools Begin New Academic Year with Safety Enhancements
Aiken Authorities Seek Help in Vehicle Theft Case
Tragic Collision Claims Life of Aiken Man
Teenagers Charged in Shooting Death of 10-Year-Old in Aiken County
Five Arrested in Tragic Shooting of 10-Year-Old in Aiken County
Aiken County Teenagers Arrested for Murder
Injuries Reported in Greenville County SWAT Training Shooting
Investigation Underway into the Accidental Death of Benny Clayton
Deputies Injured During Training Exercise in Greenville County
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Gang Warfare Blamed for Beech Island Girl’s Murder
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence
- WJBF: New Information in the Shooting Death of Lavinia Lowe
- Google Search: Lavinia Lowe
- Augusta Chronicle: Authorities Charge Five in Shooting Death
- Google Scholar: Gang Violence in Communities
- WLTX: Aiken County Shooting – Teen Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gang Violence
- The State: Local Crime News
- Google News: Gang Violence in South Carolina
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.
