80-Year-Old Man Arrested After Fatal Shooting of His Wife and an 11-Year-Old Child at Home in Sumter County, South Carolina; Authorities Investigate Motive Behind the Tragic Attack
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck the Sumter County community late Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, when an 80-year-old man allegedly opened fire inside a home on Floyd Drive, resulting in the deaths of his wife and an 11-year-old child. The suspect, Reuben Arthur Leonard, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder following the deadly shooting.
The shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. when law enforcement responded to a reported incident at the home. According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), multiple 911 calls were made by witnesses inside the residence, describing an assault rifle being fired indiscriminately as Leonard entered the home. The house was occupied by approximately 10 people at the time of the shooting.
Details of the Incident:
Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner of the SCSO revealed during a press conference that Leonard entered the house carrying an assault rifle and began firing. The shooting left two people dead, including Leonard’s wife and an 11-year-old child. Leonard’s wife, whose identity has not yet been released, was found dead at the scene along with the child. Authorities are withholding further details on the victims as the investigation continues, and efforts are being made to notify their families.
Witnesses inside the home were reportedly in a state of shock and fear as they tried to escape the chaotic scene. Some managed to flee, while others sought shelter in the back rooms of the home. Law enforcement was able to contain the situation quickly and ensure the safety of the other individuals present.
Investigation Underway:
The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, with authorities working tirelessly to uncover why Leonard allegedly turned violent. According to Chief Deputy Gardner, the shooting appeared to be random, and there were no immediate signs of any prior altercation or dispute within the household that would explain the attack.
Investigators are working with the surviving witnesses to piece together what led to Leonard’s actions. Authorities are also conducting interviews with neighbors and family members to uncover any potential warning signs or history of domestic violence that may have contributed to the tragedy.
“The circumstances surrounding this case are deeply troubling, and we are fully committed to uncovering the truth behind this senseless act,” Chief Deputy Gardner said during the press conference. “Our thoughts are with the families who have suffered this unimaginable loss.”
Leonard’s Arrest:
Leonard was taken into custody without further incident after the shooting. He was found on the property and was immediately arrested. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Leonard has been charged with two counts of murder, one for the death of his wife and the other for the death of the child. He is currently being held at the Sumter County Jail pending further legal proceedings.
At this time, there has been no word on whether additional charges will be filed against Leonard as the investigation continues. It is also unclear if Leonard has any prior criminal history, and authorities are working to determine whether there were any previous signs of violent behavior.
Community Reaction:
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Sumter County community, which is grappling with the loss of two lives in such a violent and devastating manner. Local residents expressed disbelief and sorrow over the incident, and many took to social media to offer their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Neighboring residents described the area as a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, making the crime all the more unsettling. The shooting has raised concerns about domestic violence and the potential warning signs of such violent acts within families. The community is now left to process the grief and confusion caused by Leonard’s alleged actions.
Next Steps and Law Enforcement Efforts:
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has stated that they will continue to investigate all aspects of the shooting and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities are looking into whether Leonard had a history of mental health issues or whether there were any other contributing factors that led to the tragic events.
In the coming days, further updates are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. Law enforcement is working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to ensure that all leads are thoroughly explored.
Family and Victim Impact:
The surviving family members of the victims are understandably devastated, and their privacy is being respected at this time. The loss of two loved ones in such a violent manner is a tragic event that has left a lasting impact on their community. As the investigation unfolds, the Sumter County community stands in solidarity with the families and friends who are mourning this devastating loss.
Conclusion:
This heartbreaking event has left the Sumter County community reeling, and as law enforcement continues their investigation, many questions remain unanswered. The arrest of Reuben Arthur Leonard has brought some closure to the immediate situation, but the pain and trauma felt by the victims’ families will undoubtedly linger for years to come. Authorities are committed to uncovering the full truth of what led to this tragic incident, and the Sumter community is left to cope with the shocking loss of two innocent lives.