WINNSBORO – A suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of a 17 year old Winnsboro youth in Drawdy Park on Wednesday evening.
Keonta Jaquez Johnson, 18, has been charged with murder of Damontay Wheeler according to Chief John Seibles with the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety (WDPS). Johnson, a resident of Fairfax, was arrested in Allendale last night and taken to DJJ in Richland County, according to Seibles.
Seibles said Johnson had been visiting a relative in Blackstock for a while, but returned to Fairfax after the shooting. Seibles said Johnson is being transported back to Winnsboro today.
The incident report states that WDPS officers were dispatched to Drawdy Park at 8:10 p.m., Wednesday evening to assist Fairfield County EMS personnel which were already on the scene. The officers were assisted by Fairfield County Sheriff’s deputies who were also on scene.
The victim was found near the west wall of the multi-purpose field, according to the report. Paramedics on scene determined that the victim was dead when they arrived.
According to Seibles, the incident is being investigated as gang related.
The incident is being investigated by the WDPS and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Updated 8/23/18 1:35 p.m.
WINNSBORO – A homicide investigation is underway in Winnsboro after a 17-year-old was found dead in Drawdy Park Wednesday night about 8:30 p.m.
Deputies from the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office are on the scene gathering information about the incident as well as Winnsboro Public Safety officers and the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office.
It has been reported to The Voice that SLED has been called to join the investigation.
No other details are available at this time. The Voice will update as information is available.
