15-, 17-year-old in custody after fatal shooting of 20-year-old Sumter man

Two teens were arrested and charged in connection to the killing of 20-year-old Cameron Pearson on Tuesday, July 1.

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, two teens, ages 15 and 17, were arrested Wednesday afternoon after a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the shooting on Tuesday afternoon was spotted by the sheriff’s office’s Community Action Team. A traffic stop was conducted, and both were taken into custody without incident.

The 17-year-old  is charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a pistol and possession of a stolen gun while the 15-year-old was charged with accessory after the fact, according to Bordeaux.  

Because of their ages, their names will not be released, Bordeaux said.

The shooting occurred on Bluegrass Court at about 2:58 p.m. on Tuesday. An initial investigation indicated the shooting stemmed from an altercation which resulted in Pearson’s death.

The 17-year-old was taken to Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and awaits a bond hearing. The 15-year-old is being held at Department of Juvenile Justice.

“It’s heartbreaking to see young people resorting to gun violence to solve disputes,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “This is a tragedy for everyone involved — the victim, the suspects and their families. We must work together as a community to help guide our youth and find better ways to resolve conflict before more lives are lost.”

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call 911 or submit tips anonymously to www.p3tips.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.