ROCK HILL, S.C. — A 14-year-old has died following a shooting in Rock Hill Thursday afternoon, according to the police department.
It happened just before 1 p.m. on the 1800 block of Springsteen Road.
[ ALSO EAD: 13-year-old, 14-year-old arrested after armed carjacking, pursuit, CMPD says ]
According to police, the victim and a 15-year-old were in the apartment together.
At some point, the 15-year-old began manipulating and mishandling a firearm, which resulted in the 14-year-old being shot.
Police said they then arrived at the scene, and the 14-year-old was pronounced deceased. The victim was a student in the Rock Hill Schools district.
An investigation later revealed that the 15-year-old had stolen the handgun used in the shooting from a vehicle.
According to police, they are facing several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, breaking into a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen handgun, and possession of a handgun by a person under 18.
The 15-year-old is being held in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice, according to police.
‘Pretty big impact’
Channel 9’s Glenn Counts spoke with a member of the community who said her sons were friends with the teens involved in this incident.
“I heard the sirens, and then I got a phone call saying someone got shot back there. So I came outside ... I learned that it was the little boy, and I was like, “Oh God,” said neighbor Jaquita Ross.
She said she waited until they got home from school to tell them the news.
“How did they take it?” Not too good. They’re sad because, like I said, they’re always together. They were just at my house on Sunday. Every day they are over there. They come outside playing in the neighborhood,” Ross explained.
Ross went on to say that there are a lot of children in the area where the shooting took place.
She believed this incident would lead to some difficult conversations.
“I know a lot of people that’s grieving and sad right now,” said Ross.
Rock Hill Schools statement:
“Our hearts are broken at the loss of one of our students. We deeply value every child in our community and are committed to supporting our students, staff and families during this difficult time. Counselors are available to provide support, and law enforcement is handling all questions related to the incident.”
VIDEO: 13-year-old, 14-year-old arrested after armed carjacking, pursuit, CMPD says
This browser does not support the video element.