A 20-year-old South Carolina man, Kristofer Kelle McDonald, faces serious charges after allegedly mistaking a couple for a deer and opening fire, fatally injuring a woman and wounding her husband during their evening walk.
The tragic incident occurred on the Sawmill Branch Trail in Summerville, South Carolina, around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest warrant.
McDonald claimed that he believed he heard a deer due to sounds of rustling leaves and snapping branches.
However, the individuals he targeted were Lori Wind, 54, who was struck and died at the scene, and her husband, who was rushed to a hospital with injuries, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
McDonald now faces multiple charges filed by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office: involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, negligent use of a firearm resulting in death, criminal negligence causing great bodily harm, and night hunting.
Authorities allege that McDonald was out hunting illegally with a 20-gauge shotgun when the shooting took place. He fired three or four times.
Investigators were able to identify McDonald as the suspect based on information from an informant. He later surrendered to police and admitted he had been in the area when the shooting happened.
Chief Deputy Sam Richardson of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of weapon responsibility, urging residents to be mindful of their surroundings, especially when handling firearms.
He also recommended that residents use lighting or reflective gear at night to increase visibility, particularly in poorly lit areas like Sawmill Branch Trail.
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The case remains under active investigation as officials work to understand the full circumstances behind the fatal incident.
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