On a tragic day in Sumter, South Carolina, 33-year-old Jennifer Marie Cruz was killed in a violent shooting. The incident, which occurred on March 23, 2024, also left another person injured. At the time of her death, Cruz was 35 weeks pregnant.
The shooting took place at the Royal Inn motel on North Main Street, where Jennifer Marie Cruz was staying. An acquaintance, identified as Troy Wells, allegedly waited for Cruz and a companion to arrive at the motel.
Upon their arrival, Wells is accused of firing numerous shots into their vehicle. Cruz was struck by multiple gunshots and was transported to Prisma Health Tuomey, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Despite the fatal shooting of his mother, Jennifer Marie Cruz's baby was delivered and survived. The newborn was reported to be in critical condition and was transferred to a hospital in Columbia. The second victim in the vehicle sustained injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
Authorities identified 44-year-old Troy Cornelius Wells as the suspect. It was reported that Wells and Cruz had been in a relationship. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office stated that they had reason to believe Wells was aware of Cruz's pregnancy and that the attack was described as 'callous and cold-blooded.' Following a manhunt, Troy Wells surrendered to the Sumter County Sheriff on March 28, 2024. He was subsequently charged with murder.
