In a tragic incident on a Thursday afternoon, 20-year-old Erick Ortega-Alvarez, a male from Goose Creek, lost his life in a shooting at the Forest Park Playground in West Ashley. The Charleston County Coroner's Office later confirmed his identity. This event marked the eighth death due to gun violence in Charleston that year.
Police were called to the scene at approximately 1:15 p.m.
where they discovered Ortega-Alvarez near the parking lot with a fatal gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the location. Another adult male was also found at the playground with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and received immediate medical attention from EMS at the scene.
Following the shooting, the Charleston police department launched an investigation which they described as an isolated incident, assuring the public that there was no ongoing threat. Their efforts led to the arrest of two teenagers, aged 16 and 17. Both suspects are now in custody at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center. They face serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
