The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is still investigating the May 3, 2026, shooting in Chester, South Carolina, which claimed the life of 16-year-old Avery O’Brien West. As of May 10, 2026, no one has been taken into custody, and investigators are still collecting evidence.
Police confirmed that the shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in the 100 block of Pinckney Street near Center Street in Chester. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Avery West deceased at the scene. A second victim, whose identity has not been released, was wounded and taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The Chester County Coroner, Terry Tinker, officially identified West as the victim. His death has been ruled a homicide. Chester, a city of about 5,000 residents south of Rock Hill, requested that SLED take over the investigation due to the seriousness of the case.
Local officials, including Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey, confirmed that deputies assisted at the scene. Authorities emphasized that the probe is ongoing, with detectives collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. As of the latest reports, no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made.
The homicide marked the second fatal shooting in the Rock Hill region within two days, following a separate incident in York County where a man was killed late Friday and a suspect was arrested the next day. This underscores the heightened concern about gun violence in the region.
West’s family has arranged services to honor his memory. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pollard Funeral Home, 115 York Street, Chester, SC, and a Celebration of Life service will take place Tuesday, May 12, at 2:00 p.m. at West Side Baptist Church, 523 Rose Street, Chester, SC, with Mr. Chris Cassidy speaking. These gatherings reflect the community’s grief and support for the family.