17-year-old Crestwood High football, baseball player fatally shot near downtown Sumter

A 17-year-old high school student-athlete in Sumter County was fatally shot Sunday afternoon outside an apartment complex on Peach Street.

Joshua Goodman, of Schellin Drive, Dalzell, was found with a gunshot wound about 1:45 p.m. on April 15 by the complex off Broad Street near downtown Sumter, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker. Next of kin have been notified, and an autopsy will be scheduled for a later date in Newberry.

Goodman, who was found in the parking lot, was transported to Palmetto Health Tuomey where he later died, according to a news release from the Sumter Police Department.

Goodman was a junior at Crestwood High School, according to Shelly Galloway, spokeswoman for Sumter School District. He played defensive end on the varsity football team, outfield and catcher for the baseball team and shot put and discus for the track team.

"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Joshua’s family," she said. "The loss of a student, teammate, classmate and friend has a significant impact on both our students and staff. Joshua was an important part of the Crestwood High School family, and he will be greatly missed."

Galloway said the school is sensitive to the emotional needs of its students and staff.

"Our Crisis Support Team will be on hand to assist anyone at school who may need assistance coping with this tragic loss," she said.

Mike Kremer, head baseball coach at Crestwood, said Goodman played baseball for "several years."

"This year, he primarily played center field but also played first base and catcher. He was a Region 6-AAAA baseball player, and he was the team's Offensive Player of the Year last year," Kremer said. "More importantly, Josh was a great kid and a great teammate. We will miss him tremendously. The team is going to play the rest of the season in his honor and memory."

The team is not planning to cancel any upcoming games, Galloway said.

An initial investigation indicates this was an isolated incident and that Goodman might have been familiar with the shooter, according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700.

Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-888-CRIMESC. A reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers electronically by going to www.P3tips.com and clicking the “Submit a New Tip” tab, or by downloading the new P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.