Orangeburg, S.C. — Tragedy struck in Orangeburg when two teenagers fell victim to gun violence, resulting in one death and one injury. The incident has escalated concerns about firearm access among youth and marks another somber statistic in a continuing trend of violence involving minors across the nation.
The shooting occurred on the evening of November 15, 2024, near Wheeler Street and Nottingham Street. Responding to reports of gunfire, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officers arrived at the scene to witness a white car speeding away and several individuals fleeing on foot. Canine units and officers quickly secured the area, discovering multiple shell casings.
Emergency services rushed two teenage victims to the hospital, where one, 14-year-old Zaquan Corbett Jr., was pronounced dead, the Orange County Coroner’s Office confirmed. The condition of the other victim has not been released, as the investigation continues.
Authorities disclosed that the teenagers involved knew each other, deepening the mystery around the motive. In response to the incident, Charles Austin, Chief of the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, expressed profound concern over the firearms used in the crime. He highlighted the involvement of military-grade weapons, which raised significant alarms about how youths accessed such firepower.
“One of our pressing concerns pertains to the type of weapons involved, particularly AR and AK-style assault weapons,” Chief Austin stated. “It is crucial for parents to be aware of their children’s access to such dangerous armaments.”
As of now, police have detained one minor in connection with the shooting and are conducting intensive interrogations. No charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing.
Chief Austin also addressed the broader issue of gun violence among youth. “These incidents are a stark reminder of the escalating levels of violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms and minors not only in Orangeburg but across the country,” he said. “This needs to be a crucial wake-up call for all of us to unite and intensify our efforts toward mitigating this grave issue.”
Austin’s remarks reflect a growing national dialogue on gun violence and its impact on youth, urging community leaders, law enforcement, and families to bolster preventive measures and support systems to ensure the safety and well-being of young people.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact CrimeStoppers anonymously at 1-888-CRIME-SC. By gathering further evidence and community insight, officials hope to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy and bring resolution to a grieving community.