In the small town of Santee, South Carolina, a night that should have been filled with celebration took a tragic turn, ending the life of 19-year-old Harrison Lamont Rollins Jr. The young man was attending an after-prom party on April 27, 2024, at a residence where nearly 200 people had gathered. In the midst of the festivities, the sound of gunfire shattered the atmosphere of joy.
Harrison was struck by a bullet in the chest and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the fatal shooting. It was determined that Harrison was not the intended target of the gunfire that erupted in the crowded party. The authorities moved swiftly, and by early May, three teenagers were arrested in connection with the senseless act of violence that claimed Harrison's life. The individuals taken into custody and charged with murder were 19-year-old Deon Gaddist, 17-year-old Montrell White, and a 16-year-old whose name was not released due to their age.
According to the arrest warrants, Deon Gaddist and Montrell White were accused of recklessly firing their weapons into the large crowd, showing a blatant disregard for the lives of those present. Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell described the scene as chaotic and stated that it was fortunate that more people were not injured or killed, emphasizing the reckless nature of the suspects' actions. While the homeowner who hosted the party was not immediately charged, the investigation remained active with the possibility of further arrests. Funeral services for Harrison Lamont Rollins Jr. were held on May 6, 2024, at Union Chapel AME Church in Elloree.
