SUMTER, S.C. — The Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Sumter Solicitor's Office have announced they are now offering a $10,000 reward for information regarding a Monday, Oct. 7, shooting that has left a 9-year-old boy dead.
The child, identified as Gregory Deron Robinson Jr., was shot at his home in Sumter County while laying in bed. Gregory passed away early Wednesday morning at Prisma Richland Hospital in Columbia. An autopsy will be performed on Tuesday, October 15th.
The Sumter School District confirmed Robinson was a student at High Hills Elementary and had previously attended Lemira Elementary School.
"Sumter School District is grieving the loss of a fourth-grade student," said Sumter County Superintendent William Wright. "Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with his family during this very difficult time. A tragedy like this has a significant impact on both our students and staff. Sumter School District is very sensitive to the emotional needs of our school family, and our Crisis Support Team will be on hand to assist anyone at High Hills Elementary School or Lemira Elementary School who may need assistance coping with this tragic loss."
Deputies said around 1:42 a.m. Monday, a deputy heard multiple gunshots in the vicinity of Thomas Sumter Highway and Four Bridges Road. Around the same time, 911 got a call of a shooting which allowed deputies to determine the shooting had happened at a home between West Brewington Road and Thomas Sumter Highway.
Other deputies were dispatched to the area, and found a home on Bunneau Street, where they found a green mobile home that had been riddled with bullet homes. When deputies arrived on scene, they were met by family members who directed them to inside their home where they found the victim. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Investigators marked more than two dozen apparent bullet holes in the home, with many piercing the walls and windows. Overall, deputies determined some 28 rounds were fired.
Investigators said they are examining evidence and witness testimony to find the person or persons responsible. Those found to be responsible will now face one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said, “We will do whatever it takes to find these criminals. Our investigators have been working non-stop and every tool available will be utilized to solve this crime. Along with the help of the Sumter Police Department, I have requested assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). I firmly believe that we will find those responsible for Gregory’s murder and bring them to justice.”
At the task force meeting, Sheriff Dennis announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderers.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or the sheriff's office at 803-436-2000. People can also report to Crimestoppers at www.p3tips.com, or the “P3” mobile app. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward and can remain anonymous.