In the spring of 2020, a wave of shock and grief washed over the community of Walterboro, South Carolina, following the tragic death of 17-year-old Donaisha Kelly. On the afternoon of April 22nd, Kelly was driving a car near the intersection of Francis and Savage streets when gunfire erupted. Struck by a single bullet, she continued to drive for several blocks before her vehicle came to a stop in a yard on Francis Street.
Emergency services, including law enforcement and
firefighter-paramedics, arrived at the scene to find Kelly unresponsive. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. Inside the car with Kelly were other teenagers, including a 15-year-old male who was also shot. He managed to flee the scene and was taken to Colleton Medical Center's Emergency Department by a private vehicle. The other passengers in the car were unharmed.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly, and within thirty minutes of the incident, two suspects were taken into custody. One of the individuals arrested was Joseph Mack Jr., who was subsequently charged with murder. He was denied bond. The second suspect was a juvenile who also faced a murder charge and was slated to be tried as an adult.
Known affectionately as 'DeeDee,' Donaisha Kelly was a student at Colleton County High School and was only four credits shy of graduating. She worked her first job at a local Wendy's and had aspirations of one day becoming a pediatrician. Remembered for her big heart, smile, and bubbly personality, her sudden death left a profound void in the lives of her family and friends.
