Easley, SC — In a tragic incident late Friday night, a teenager lost his life in a shooting at a local motel in Easley, officials reported. The incident occurred at the Sun Inn, located on the 4000 block of Calhoun Memorial Highway.
Robert Preston Crawford, a 17-year-old, was identified as the victim by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Kandy Kelly stated that Crawford was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have stated that there were no other injuries reported from the incident. The death has been officially ruled a homicide, intensifying the urgency for investigators to determine who was responsible for the shooting.
As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Pickens County Sheriff’s Office has launched a full-scale investigation into the fatal event but has yet to make any arrests or identify potential suspects.
The local community has been left reeling from the event, as the safety of public areas such as motels comes into question. This incident spotlights the ongoing issues of gun violence affecting communities at unexpected times and places.
Officials are currently urging anyone who might have information related to the shooting to come forward. Tipsters can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 864-232-7463 or provide information online. The hope is that community members can contribute to bringing justice to this devastating case.
This loss heightens concerns about adolescent safety in public spaces and the implications of firearm accessibility in small communities. Residents and local authorities are encouraged to work together not only to solve this case but also to engage in broader discussions on how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The investigation into Crawford’s death is ongoing as the Pickens County Sheriff’s office delves into the events leading up to the fatal shooting. They ask the community to stay alert and report any suspicious activity that might help provide clarity on this case and potentially prevent further incidents.