During a press conference about a shooting at a park that injured several people, including teenagers, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott expressed his dissatisfaction with the bond court system, which he believes is a “catch and release” system.
According to Lott, the two teenagers, 19-year-old Miquise Fulwiley and 18-year-old Ty’Quan Kelly, who were arrested following the shooting, have been released on bond and are back on the streets. According to Lott, Kelly had been released on bond for a gun offense twice before within the past month.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department reported that Fulwiley and Kelly were stopped by law enforcement after driving away from Meadowlake Park in a vehicle without headlights on during the early hours of Saturday morning. According to deputies, the teens were arrested following a pursuit.
Fulwiley has been charged with failure to stop for blue lights, simple possession of marijuana, and unlawful carry of a pistol. A $10,000 personal recognizance bond was granted to him.
According to reports, Kelly, who was a passenger in the car, has been charged with simple possession of marijuana and unlawful carry of a pistol. A $10,000 surety bond was given to Kelly.
According to RCSD, 11 individuals were injured in a shooting at Meadowlake Park at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th.
According to RCSD, the age of the victims ranges from 16 to 20 years old.
According to deputies, nine individuals were shot, including two 11th-grade boys and one 12th-grade girl who attend W.J. Keenan High School. Additionally, a 12th-grade girl who attends C.A. Johnson High School was injured after being struck by a vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital.
According to Lott, all of the victims are expected to survive.
According to Lott, while only 11 individuals were hospitalized, there may be a larger number of people who will suffer from psychological trauma.
According to RCSD, the event held at Meadowlake Park was not endorsed by the park and was attended by students from multiple high schools in the vicinity.
According to Lott, the gathering that took place at Meadowlake Park was a “flash party” and the individuals involved were trespassing since the park was closed during the time of the shooting.
According to Lott, several individuals wearing masks fired shots into a crowd at the park. He suspects that the majority of the perpetrators are from the Richland County region.
According to deputies, investigators are currently examining a gun that was found at the park to determine whether it was used in the park shooting.
According to Lott, the most important request he made to legislators was for bond reform. According to him, this case has been given priority and the investigation is still ongoing.
In a statement, Dr. Craig Witherspoon, the Superintendent of Richland One School District, announced the following.
Four Richland One high school students were injured in a shooting incident that occurred early Saturday morning (April 29, 2023) at Meadowlake Park.
The incident has caused sadness and concern among the affected parties. The reporter sends their thoughts and prayers to the students who were injured. The school district is working with law enforcement in their investigation of the shooting incident, which did not occur during a school or district-related event.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information from anyone who may have details about the incident. According to reports, there will be extra security measures in place at W.J. Keenan and C.A. Johnson high schools next week as a precautionary measure.
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