5 dead in South Carolina mass shooting

A mass shooting in South Carolina on Wednesday left five people dead, including two children, authorities said. 

The York County Sheriff’s Office tweeted late Wednesday afternoon that deputies responded to a report of a shooting at a home “involving multiple individuals” and that a search was underway for a “young black male wearing a hoodie & camo pants.” 

UPDATE: At 4:45 PM deputies were sent to a home near 4400 Marshall Rd. reference a report of a shooting involving multiple individuals. We’re searching for a young black male wearing a hoodie & camo pants. This is a very active investigation. More when info available. #YCSONews pic.twitter.com/yirsSlFZoW

— YCSO_SC (@YCSO_SC) April 7, 2021

Police early Thursday announced that five people were found dead with gunshot wounds, including 70-year-old Robert Lesslie and his wife, 69-year-old Barbara Lesslie, as well as their two grandchildren. 

The sheriff’s office added that 39-year-old James Lewis, who police said was working at the home, also apparently died from gunshot wounds. 

Sadly 5 people have died as a result of the shooting. Dr. Robert Lesslie & his wife, Barbara Lesslie were both found in the home & died as a result of gunshot wounds, as well as their 2 grandchildren. James Lewis of Gastonia, was working at the home & died from gunshot wounds

— YCSO_SC (@YCSO_SC) April 8, 2021

A sixth individual was shot and is being treated for serious injuries. The identity of this person was not immediately released. 

After searching the area of the home for hours with helicopters and drones, authorities tweeted Thursday that they had apprehended a suspect and found him in a nearby home. 

No additional details on the alleged shooter were provided, though The Associated Press reported later Thursday morning that a source familiar with the investigation said former NFL player Phillip Adams was believed to be the gunman. 

The source said that Adams shot and killed himself after midnight Thursday before police found him. 

UPDATE: We have IDed the person we feel is responsible for the shooting on Marshall Rd. We found him in a nearby house. There is no active threat to the community. Detectives are still in the area serving a search warrant & investigating this tragic event. #YCSONews

— YCSO_SC (@YCSO_SC) April 8, 2021

Authorities said they are still investigating a motive for the shooting, which occurred near the North Carolina border, southwest of Charlotte.

“We hope to share more information about this tragic event as soon as possible,” officials tweeted. “Thank you for your patience.” 

The attack comes amid a series of mass shootings in recent weeks, prompting renewed conversations around gun control legislation. 

President Biden on Thursday is expected to release six executive actions geared toward preventing all forms of gun violence, including through a series of Justice Department rules aimed at restricting the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, encouraging states to adopt red flag laws and tightening loopholes around certain modified pistols.

Updated: 11:22 a.m.