A 17-year-old girl died Friday after what Manning police believe was an accidental shooting at Village St. Clare Apartments, according to Police Chief Sean Briley.
At approximately 10:53 a.m., officers with the Manning Police Department and Clarendon County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the apartment complex in reference to a reported gunshot injury, Briley said.
The victim was transported to McLeod Health Clarendon, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
According to investigators, the teen and her 18-year-old boyfriend were together inside the apartment when the firearm discharged. Police said the two were engaged in “horseplay/intimate interaction” when the boyfriend, who was holding the weapon, accidentally fired it. The gun is believed to belong to a family member.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of just how critical it is to securely store firearms and ensure they are never handled without care,” Briley said. “Owning a gun comes with a profound responsibility — to protect not only yourself, but everyone around you through safe storage and handling. It only takes a single moment of carelessness to change lives forever, and the impact of that moment can never be undone.”
Briley added that the department’s “hearts and prayers are with everyone who is touched by this tragedy.”
No charges have been announced. The investigation is ongoing.
