ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A quiet Friday night in Anderson turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak after a deadly shooting left three people dead and several others injured near the intersection of West Franklin Street and Murray Avenue. Authorities have now confirmed the tragic toll as investigators work to determine what led to the violence.
According to the Anderson Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area around 11:45 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire and people running for cover. When first responders arrived, they discovered several victims suffering from gunshot wounds both inside and outside a nearby residence. Emergency crews immediately began providing medical aid as law enforcement secured the scene.
Three victims were pronounced dead at the location, while others were transported to a local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Police have not yet released the identities of the deceased, pending notification of family members. The condition of the injured victims remains unclear as of Saturday morning, though hospital staff say several remain under intensive care.
Witnesses described hearing a series of loud gunshots followed by screams and vehicles speeding away from the area. “It sounded like fireworks at first,” one resident told reporters. “Then we realized it wasn’t fireworks — people were running, cars were peeling out, and we knew something terrible had happened.” The normally peaceful neighborhood has since been cordoned off with crime scene tape as investigators comb through evidence.
Detectives from the Anderson Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are jointly investigating the case. Preliminary findings suggest the shooting may have stemmed from an argument that escalated into gunfire. Authorities have not confirmed whether any suspects have been taken into custody, but officers have interviewed multiple witnesses and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Anderson Police Chief Jim Stewart expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and condemned the senseless act of violence. “Three lives were lost tonight, and several others will be forever changed,” Stewart said during a brief press conference. “We are committed to finding those responsible and ensuring that justice is served. Our hearts go out to the families grieving unimaginable loss.”
The shooting marks one of the deadliest incidents in Anderson this year and has left the community reeling. Local leaders and pastors have called for unity and calm as police continue their investigation. A candlelight vigil is being planned for Sunday evening at a nearby church to honor the victims and offer support to their families.
Residents in the area expressed frustration over the rise in violent crime. Many said they no longer feel safe walking outside after dark. “This used to be such a close-knit community,” one neighbor said. “Now it feels like every week there’s another shooting. We need peace back in our streets.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Anderson Police or Crime Stoppers. Investigators believe that at least one person who witnessed the attack has not yet come forward and could provide critical details about the suspect or suspects involved.
As the investigation continues, the city of Anderson remains in mourning. What began as a normal Friday night ended in tragedy — three lives lost, families shattered, and a community left searching for answers in the wake of devastating violence. Police say more information will be released once they have confirmed details about the victims and identified those responsible for the deadly shooting.
