In the quiet community of Sumter, South Carolina, a tragic event unfolded on Sunday, September 10, 2023, cutting short the life of 13-year-old Akeem Pugh. A seventh-grade student at Chestnut Oaks Middle School, his death left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the wider community. The incident occurred around 12:08 p.m. when officers from the Sumter Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Flamingo Road following a report of a shooting.
Upon their
arrival, officers discovered the young male wounded next to a car parked outside the home. They immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Akeem was then transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The news of his passing sent ripples of grief through his school, where he was remembered as a classmate and a friend to many. The Sumter School District made its Crisis Support Team and school guidance counselors available to assist students in coping with the tragic loss.
The investigation into Akeem's death swiftly led to the identification and arrest of two other minors. A 12-year-old, who was with Akeem at the time of the incident, was taken into custody and charged with involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with accessory before the fact. Due to their ages, the names of the two suspects have not been publicly released by the authorities. Both individuals are being held at a South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice facility. An autopsy was scheduled to be performed to determine the precise cause of Akeem's death as the investigation by the Sumter Police Department continues.
