Sumter, S.C. — In a distressing incident at a local Walmart, a 19-year-old has been charged with the murder of a 24-year-old man following an altercation. The accused, Chanceler Lowery, was denied bond during a court session on Sunday morning and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on April 14.
The shooting, which occurred on Friday afternoon, claimed the life of Jaquante Montgomery. According to Sumter police, the two individuals were known to have disputes prior to the tragic event at the Walmart located on Broad Street. Montgomery suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead at Prisma Health, as confirmed by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators released a photo of a person shortly after the incident, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. The police later identified Lowery as the individual in the photographs. This swift identification and call for community help marked a critical step in apprehending the suspect.
Adding to the chaos on the day of the shooting was an initial report of an active shooter, which spurred immediate evacuation protocols at the Walmart. The store was closed by 4 p.m. as law enforcement and emergency teams secured the scene.
In a related security measure, a nearby Lowe’s store was temporarily put on lockdown, a situation that was resolved shortly after without further incidents.
The Sumter Police Department is continuing its investigation into the causes and full context of the altercation leading up to Montgomery’s tragic death. The community remains in shock as more details are expected to unfold regarding the motive and the sequence of events that escalated to the fatal shooting.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns around public safety and gun violence, prompting discussions on security measures in public areas and the importance of community vigilance. As the legal process unfolds, many look for answers and justice in the wake of this violent act that has shaken the local community.