GAFFNEY, S.C. — Law enforcement conducted an intensified search Thursday for a second suspect in the fatal shooting of a Gaffney High School student at a school bus stop, officials confirmed.
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said the victim, who was a student at Gaffney High School, was shot Wednesday morning as he prepared to board a school bus. According to authorities, a man approached the student, an altercation occurred and a shot was fired. The shooter then fled the scene.
One person was taken into custody Wednesday night, Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller told reporters. Mueller said investigators are searching for a second suspect and were combing areas near a lake on Thursday.
What residents should know now
- Investigators are actively searching a zone described by authorities as being two to three miles from Grassy Pond Elementary School.
- At least one road was blocked Thursday while officers conducted the search near the lake.
- Grassy Pond Elementary was placed under heightened security as a precaution while law enforcement operations continued in the area.
Officials have not released the identities of the victim or the person taken into custody, nor have they provided further details about the suspected second person involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
| Event | Known detail |
|---|---|
| Shooting | Wednesday morning at a school bus stop; victim was a Gaffney High School student |
| First custody | One person detained Wednesday night; identity not released |
| Ongoing search | Thursday: area near a lake, two to three miles from Grassy Pond Elementary; road closures in place |
| School precautions | Grassy Pond Elementary under heightened security Thursday |
Local law enforcement agencies are coordinating the search. Authorities have not yet released information about charges or a motive.
This episode follows a pattern of concern for families that rely on school transportation. With one student confirmed killed and a second suspect still being sought, investigators said Thursday that the community should expect continued police activity in the area while they pursue leads and secure the scene.
News Block will update this report as officials release more information.
