News Summary
Five teenagers have been arrested in relation to the tragic shooting that resulted in the death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe in Aiken County. The incident, which occurred during a retaliatory gang shooting, has deeply impacted both the community and Lavinia’s family. Authorities revealed the details of the case, which included the suspects’ ages and their respective charges. Sheriff Marty Sawyer condemned the actions of the suspects while the community mourns the loss of an innocent life.
Aiken County, South Carolina – Five teenagers have been charged in connection with the tragic shooting death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, who was killed while sleeping in her Beech Island home on June 25. The incident has been classified by authorities as a retaliatory gang shooting gone wrong, deeply affecting the community and Lavinia’s family.
Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer announced the arrests during a press conference on July 31, revealing that Lavinia was killed due to a gang’s vendetta. Lavinia, affectionately remembered by her family as “Muffin,” was struck in the head during the shooting, which occurred just after midnight, at approximately 11:49 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:30 a.m. The exterior of her home bore the marks of the violence, with at least eight bullet holes visible on the wall and another in a window.
The five suspects arrested include Timothy Harris Jr., 18, from Jackson; Brandon Jamar Pollard, 17, from Augusta; Tramain Amarion Wilson, 18, also from Jackson; Ri’Dauris Omar Blocker, 18, from Edgefield; and Quincy Dunbar, 17, from Warrenville. Harris, Pollard, and Wilson have been charged with murder, while Blocker faces a charge of criminal conspiracy, and Dunbar has been charged as a felony accessory.
The shooting is believed to be in retaliation for the earlier death of 18-year-old Tranard Sheppard on June 22 in Warrenville. Authorities noted that the intended target of the shooting on June 25 had not lived in Lavinia’s home for more than a year and a half prior to the incident.
In light of the arrests, Sheriff Sawyer condemned the suspects as “gang-banging cowards,” highlighting the innocence of Lavinia and the tragedy of her untimely death. Despite the arrests, he acknowledged that this step toward justice does not lessen the grief felt by Lavinia’s family and community.
Following the announcement, Lavinia’s family gathered to celebrate her life at her gravesite in Grovetown, demonstrating their resilience in the face of such devastating loss. Community members are also being encouraged to assist law enforcement in addressing the ongoing issue of gang violence prevalent in the area.
Authorities have indicated that there may be additional suspects still at large in connection with the case, and the investigation continues as law enforcement seeks to bring further clarity and closure to the situation. The impact of Lavinia’s death continues to resonate throughout Aiken County as it grapples with the challenges of gang-related violence.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: 5 Arrested in Gang-Related Murder
- Wikipedia: Gang Violence
- Augusta Chronicle: Charges in 10-Year-Old’s Death
- Google Search: Lavinia Lowe Shooting
- WJBF: New Information on Lavinia Lowe’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Post and Courier: Lavinia’s Murder Deemed Retaliation
- Google News: Aiken County Shootings
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.
