Altercation that led to killing of 20-year-old Sumter man was over stolen firearm, authorities say

New details surrounding the killing of 20-year-old Cameron Pearson have been released.

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Nyasia Nicole Vaughn, 17, and a 15-year-old, whose name has not been released due to their age, drove to a home on Bluegrass Court on Tuesday, July 1, to meet with Pearson.

An argument broke out between Vaughn and Pearson during a transaction involving a stolen firearm that Vaughn allegedly brought to the scene, Bordeaux said. Vaughn reportedly shot Pearson multiple times before she and the 15-year-old fled the scene.

Pearson was pronounced dead on the scene, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker. 

Sheriff Anthony Dennis said this was an isolated incident involving only Pearson, Vaughn and the 15-year-old. The agency continues to investigate how Vaughn came into possession of the stolen gun, Dennis added.

Vaughn was 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. 

An investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.

Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is asked to contact Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2000 or submit tips anonymously at www.p3tips.com.