15-year-old Avery McDonald killed after targeted shooting outside Florence Magnolia Mall

Update: According to Cpt. Stephen Starling of the Florence Police Department, a third individual has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting outside Magnolia Mall that occurred on Sunday.

Cpt. Starling stated that Damarcus Legette was apprehended late Thursday evening. Legette faces charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and criminal conspiracy.

On Monday, 18-year-old Javon Norman and a 15-year-old juvenile were arrested and accused in the shooting incident.

Both are facing charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and criminal conspiracy.

Norman had a court appearance on Tuesday, during which his bond was established at $400,000 for charges related to possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and criminal conspiracy.

However, he was denied bond for armed robbery, and the determination of bond for the murder charge will be made by a circuit court judge.

Original Report:

Chief Alan Heidler stated on Sunday that a teenager was fatally shot in what appears to be a ‘targeted’ attack at Florence’s Magnolia Mall, and authorities are searching for multiple suspects.

“We have determined that three teenagers from outside of Florence were present in the parking lot and were specifically targeted in what we believe to be an isolated incident,” he mentioned during a news conference at City Hall.

At least one person injured after shooting outside Magnolia Mall situated along the 2700 block of David McLeod Boulevard in Florence.https://t.co/9AuwLkmYoF pic.twitter.com/wDVDMEAoMt

— Channel3 Now (@channel3nownews) February 18, 2024

“Our investigation is ongoing, and we have received accounts from several eyewitnesses who were present at the scene.”

Initial findings from the investigation indicate that two individuals wearing masks approached the victim’s vehicle, with at least one of them discharging an unspecified number of shots.

The victim has been identified as Avery McDonald, a student at Latta High School, his father confirmed to Channel3 NOW.

Heidler mentioned that despite efforts by a Florence County sheriff’s deputy and EMS crews to save his life, the victim passed away due to injuries.

Authorities arrived at the mall around 3 p.m., and city police, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, and units from the South Carolina Highway Patrol swiftly collaborated to secure the premises and evacuate all patrons.

Heidler reassured the public that there is no perceived threat to public safety.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officials will interview mall employees and examine surveillance footage.

Our initial investigation suggests that 2 masked individuals approached the victim’s vehicle and at least one fired shots before fleeing in a gold, early 2000 model Ford Escape (see attached photo).

Witnesses from the community noted the presence of multiple police officers at the scene.

Some individuals reported hearing what sounded like gunshots before the arrival of several deputies.

A red car at Magnolia Mall is surrounded by yellow crime scene tape, although it remains uncertain if this vehicle was connected to the shooting.

As a precautionary measure, the mall has been evacuated.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.