Thirteen-year-old Accidentally Shot and Killed

Thirteen-year-old Akeem Pugh, a middle school student in Sumter, South Carolina, was unintentionally shot and killed today. The incident is still under investigation, but apparently Akeem and two friends were handling a gun when it went off, fatally striking the teen. Police charged the friends — a 12-year-old with involuntary manslaughter, and a 17-year-old with accessory before the fact. Akeem’s mother said that the 12-year-old and her son were close friends and were always together. According to police the charge against the 17-year-old is related to how they got access to a gun.

“He was a good, caring, quiet person who played football and basketball. He never bothers anyone, and he will be missed by everyone…” said a friend.

Sources:

Ashley Jones, “‘I Am Deeply Sorry,’ Grandfather of Sumter 12-year-old Charged in Connection to Teen’s Death Speaks,” wistv.com (September 12, 2023.

“12-year-old Charged in Connection with Shooting Death of Sumter 13-year-old,” wltx.com (September 12, 2023).