1 Child Killed, Another Critically Injured in Greenville County Apartment Shootout: Sheriff Says Gunfire Was “Senseless and Infuriating”

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Greenville County Friday evening when a shootout between two groups erupted at a local apartment complex, leaving one young child dead and another fighting for his life. The violence broke out shortly after 5:30 p.m. at the Belle Meade Apartments on Fleetwood Drive, shaking the community to its core.

According to Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis, deputies were dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered two young brothers—both under the age of 10—suffering from gunshot wounds inside one of the apartments. Tragically, one of the boys was pronounced dead, while the other remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Authorities fear he may not survive.

An 18-year-old male was also struck during the gunfire, sustaining a wound to the arm. Sheriff Lewis confirmed that the teen is expected to recover.

“This was not just an accident. This was not a stray bullet from nowhere,” Sheriff Lewis said during a somber press conference held just hours after the shooting. “Several thugs began shooting at each other. A number of suspects—armed, reckless, and dangerous—opened fire at each other, and two innocent children ended up paying the ultimate price.”

Gang Violence Suspected

Sheriff Lewis did not mince words as he addressed the media and the public. He said the violence may be gang-related and indicated that investigators believe multiple shooters were involved. At least one juvenile has been taken into custody as a person of interest, though no formal charges have yet been announced.

“Such a senseless act that occurred today. It truly makes our blood boil,” Lewis said, visibly emotional. “These children had absolutely nothing to do with whatever dispute led to this, and now one is gone, and another may never come home again.”

Sky 4 aerial footage over the Belle Meade Apartments captured a large law enforcement presence Friday evening as investigators combed through the scene for evidence. The complex, usually bustling with families and children, was instead lined with yellow tape, shell casings, and shattered lives.

Community Cooperation Lacking

In one of the more pointed moments of his address, Sheriff Lewis expressed deep frustration over what he described as a wall of silence from community members.

“No one in the community is giving us any information,” he said. “The public should be lined up out here giving us information because they know who these people are—and they didn’t.”

The sheriff urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to step forward, noting that investigators are working around the clock to identify and locate the individuals responsible.

“I hope whoever was involved in this shooting, I hope you are watching,” Lewis said directly to the camera. “There is a team of people in this building, another team at the apartment complex, and there are multiple teams of people out on the roads. We will find you.”

A Neighborhood Shaken

Belle Meade Apartments is home to many families with young children. On Friday evening, that sense of safety was shattered. Neighbors described chaos and panic as gunshots rang out, forcing some to take cover and others to shield their children.

“You just don’t think something like this will happen here. It’s just devastating,” said a resident who declined to give her name, fearing retaliation.

The names of the young victims have not yet been released, pending notification of extended family members. Grief counselors are being made available through local agencies to assist neighbors and family members who were affected.

Call to Action

Law enforcement is asking anyone with video footage, photos, or information about what happened at 25 Fleetwood Drive Friday evening to contact the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 864-23-CRIME.

As investigators continue their urgent search for those responsible, the community is left mourning the loss of an innocent life—and praying that another child survives.

“This cannot become the new normal,” said Sheriff Lewis. “We owe it to these children to make sure that those who did this are held accountable.”