Shooting kills 24-year-old at Barnwell mobile home park

Remembering the victims: CSRA slaying surge leaves dozens dead

BARNWELL, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A weekend shooting in Barnwell claimed the life of a 24-year-old, the latest victim of a wave of deadly crime that’s been sweeping the CSRA since spring.

Barnwell County Coroner Denise Gibson said Monday morning she is investigating the death of Laventae Thomas of Hiott Street.

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The Barnwell Police Department is also investigating the shooting that occurred at or near Thomas’ residence in a mobile home park on the south side of Barnwell off Marlboro Avenue.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday.

Details are limited at this time as the investigation continues.

The surge in deadly crime wave has left more than 60 people dead across the CSRA since mid-April, affecting communities large and small on both sides of the Savannah River.

Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs, with many of the victims teenagers or men in their 20s.