Richland County Sheriff announces third arrest in Meadowlake Park mass shooting

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced a third arrest in the case of the Meadowlake Park mass shooting.

Christopher Pearson, 18, is charged with 11 counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Deputies recovered eight guns from Pearson’s home, Lott stated. It’s not known if any or all of those guns were involved in the shooting.

Lott showed a video Pearson posted on social media that contained graphic language and imagery. Lott said Pearson is in his home where he’s seen holding a shotgun.

Pearson can be heard saying, “Columbia end game tonight, we’re at Meadowlake, 11′o’clock. ARPs, glocks, shotguns, rocket launchers, grenade launchers ... let’s do it.”

Lott said the video was made shortly after the mass shooting on April 29 where 11 people ages 16 to 20 were hurt.

Richland County Sheriff’s Office (RCSD) said nine of the victims were shot, including two 11th-grade boys and one 12th-grade girl who attend W.J. Keenan High School, while a 12th-grade girl who attends C.A. Johnson High School was hurt after being hit by a car and taken to a local hospital.

RCSD recently announced two 16-year-old brothers were also arrested in connection to the shooting.

The brothers are facing several charges including attempted murder.

Two other teenagers 19-year-old Miquise Fulwiley and 18-year-old Ty’Quan Kelly were arrested after the shooting.

Deputies said they arrested the teens after a pursuit.

Fulwiley is charged with failure to stop for blue lights, simple possession of marijuana, and unlawful carry of a pistol.

Kelly is charged with simple possession of marijuana and unlawful carry of a pistol.

Both were released after making a $10,000 bond, however, Kelly was arrested once again after an emergency bond revocation on May 3.

So far, Fulwiley and Kelly haven’t been charged in connection to the shooting.

Sheriff Leon Lott said RCSD’s investigation continues and he expects more people to be arrested.

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