Laurens County, South Carolina continues to mourn the loss of 15‑year‑old Leo Scott Epting, whose life was taken in a violent shooting early on the morning of March 7, 2026. Deputies with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Tanglewood Way in Gray Court at approximately 1:46 a.m. after receiving reports of a gunshot victim. When they arrived, they found Epting lying in the roadway, unresponsive from a gunshot wound.
Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the injuries were fatal, and Epting was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Investigators later determined that he had been lured from his home by two individuals—an 18‑year‑old suspect and a juvenile accomplice—before being shot outside. The discovery that he had been coaxed out of bed moments before the attack added a chilling dimension to the case.
Authorities quickly identified and arrested 18‑year‑old Ryan Ingersoll of Charlotte, North Carolina, who now faces charges including murder, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. A second suspect, a juvenile, was detained in North Carolina and is awaiting extradition to South Carolina. Investigators have not released additional details about the motive or the events leading up to the shooting.
As the investigation unfolded, the community learned more about the young life that had been lost. Epting was a freshman at Laurens District 55 High School, remembered by teachers and classmates as a vibrant, charismatic student who brought energy and humor into every room. Friends described him as someone who lived fully and joyfully, always laughing, always connecting, and always making others feel included.
His family shared that Leo excelled academically and athletically, particularly in martial arts, and that he loved outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes. They recalled his unforgettable hugs and the way he made people feel genuinely cared for. The depth of their grief reflects the profound impact he had on those around him in just fifteen short years.
As Laurens County continues to process the tragedy, residents have rallied around the Epting family, offering support and calling for justice. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The loss of Leo Scott Epting has left a lasting wound on the community, one felt deeply by all who knew and loved him.