WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Teenager arrested in Walterboro triple homicide

Teenager arrested in Walterboro triple homicide

WALTERBORO, SC (WCSC) - A teenager is in custody after Monday night's drive-by shooting in Walterboro that left three dead, including a 20-month-old girl.

Police disclosed little information about 19-year-old Danziel Chapman beyond the murder charge. Chapman is so far the only person to be charged in the shooting that injured six others.

"I called 911," said Shakeir'a Powell, a family member. "I came outside. I saw my brother by the step, my niece on the ground. My uncle was by the grill and everyone was screaming. I couldn't believe it."

Patrice Stephens was outside during the shooting, but she dropped to the ground when she heard gunfire.

"Just can't believe it," she said. "God be with me. I could feel the bullets. I could see them bouncing around on the ground when I was laying down there."

The Colleton County Coroner said the victims are 45-year-old Charles Kittrell, who died at the scene, 20-month-old Shaniyah Burden, who died at Colleton County Medical Center, and 21-year-old Christopher Powell, who died at MUSC.

Burden's grandmother Ruby Kittrell and other family members had nicknamed the toddler Munch-Munch.

"Seeing her and turning her over and looking at her forehead and eye," said Kittrell. "That's what really hurt me the most."

"It's tearing everyone up because she is innocent," said Powell.

Police said late Monday night the suspected shooter may be driving a black BMW with one working headlight.

Family members said they were sitting outside watching a football game and playing cards when the car pulled up and opened fire on the family.

Ruby Kittrell was inside the McDaniel Street home when the shots rang out. 

"I heard a shot, then another," said Kittrell. "It just kept on. Thought it was someone shooting firecrackers or something."

Witnesses heard as many as 20 gunshots.

SLED arrived on the scene of the shooting Tuesday morning to collect evidence and witness statements. The state law division was called in by the Walterboro police to help with the investigation.

Now, family and friends are trying to sort out what happened while police investigators search for answers, suspects, and a motive.

"It's hurting me right now. It's hurting me. All can say is they're in a better place, a better place, no more worries," said family member Lamont Kittrell.

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