Darius Aiken and Unnamed Victim Shot by 16-Year-Old in Calhoun County, SC – Teen Charged in Fatal Shooting After Allegedly Consuming Drug-Laced Gummy; Investigation into Hallucinogenic Substance Ongoing

Calhoun County, SC – In a tragic turn of events, 19-year-old Darius Aiken was fatally shot on Friday evening in Calhoun County after an alleged encounter with a teen suspect who, according to authorities, was under the influence of a marijuana-laced gummy that may have been laced with a hallucinogen. The incident unfolded at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the quiet community of Elloree, located in the heart of Calhoun County.

The shooting has sparked outrage and confusion within the local community, as details surrounding the tragic event continue to surface. The incident has left one man dead and another severely injured, all because of what authorities describe as the dangerous and unpredictable effects of a drug-laced edible consumed by the suspect. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office has made it clear that this was not a random attack but one that unfolded within a small social circle, with both victims, Darius Aiken and the unnamed second individual, having known the teen suspect prior to the shooting.

The Incident: A Fatal Encounter

According to law enforcement reports, deputies were dispatched to a residence located on the 300 block of Cardinal Road in Elloree at around 8:00 p.m. following multiple reports of gunfire. When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered two victims who had been struck by bullets.

The first victim, 19-year-old Darius Aiken, was found lifeless at the scene. Aiken, who had recently returned to Elloree from Summerton, was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived. The second victim, whose name has not been disclosed by authorities, sustained non-fatal injuries and was airlifted to Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia for medical treatment.

The Teen Suspect’s State of Mind: Drug-Laced Gummy and Paranoia

What followed next has raised alarm among both local law enforcement and residents of Elloree. Investigators began questioning the teen suspect, a 16-year-old, and his father, both of whom were present at the scene. According to the sheriff’s office, the young suspect had consumed a marijuana-infused gummy prior to the shooting, a decision that would soon lead to a catastrophic outcome.

The suspect reportedly began experiencing extreme paranoia and overheating after ingesting the drug-laced edible. He allegedly became convinced that two individuals, Aiken and the second victim, were wearing white masks inside the kitchen. This distorted perception was likely exacerbated by the gummy, which authorities are now investigating to determine if it was laced with additional hallucinogens, causing the suspect to misperceive the situation and react violently.

In a state of heightened paranoia, the 16-year-old teen claimed that he felt threatened by the “masked” individuals, even though, as investigators would later confirm, neither victim was wearing a mask. The suspect then made his way into his father’s bedroom, where he retrieved a shotgun. With the weapon in hand, he returned to the kitchen and, without any provocation, fired a close-range shot at Aiken, fatally wounding him.

The second victim, who had been trying to escape, was struck by shrapnel from the shotgun blast. The victim was not directly hit by the shot but sustained injuries from the explosion of metal and debris caused by the blast.

The Victims and the Context of the Shooting

Authorities have confirmed that the teen suspect was familiar with both victims before the shooting. In fact, Darius Aiken was reportedly the suspect’s neighbor, and all three had been socializing together earlier in the evening, which raises further questions about the state of mind of the shooter and the circumstances that led to such a horrific and tragic outcome.

The community of Elloree, known for its tight-knit nature, has been left reeling by the sudden and senseless violence. Darius Aiken’s death has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew him, and many are grappling with the horror that such an incident could have occurred in their small town.

The second victim, whose identity remains protected by law enforcement, is expected to survive, though the emotional and psychological trauma of witnessing the shooting, as well as the physical injuries sustained, will likely stay with them for some time.

The Investigation: Drug-Laced Gummy and Possible Hallucinogenic Substance

As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on the marijuana-infused gummy that the suspect consumed. According to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, there is growing concern that the edible may have been laced with a hallucinogenic substance, which may have contributed to the teen’s altered perception of reality. This line of investigation is crucial, as the details of what exactly transpired in the moments leading up to the shooting remain unclear.

Law enforcement is working diligently to obtain forensic evidence that could shed light on the content of the gummy consumed by the suspect. Toxicology testing is underway, and investigators are hoping to confirm whether the edible contained additional substances beyond marijuana, which could have potentially triggered the suspect’s hallucinations and heightened aggression.

Authorities have also emphasized that the teen’s actions were not a result of any premeditated plans, but rather the product of a drug-induced state that led to violent behavior. The fact that the suspect personally knew the victims and was not provoked by them points to a severe distortion of reality brought on by the substance he consumed.

The Teen’s Charges: Serious Consequences for a Juvenile Offender

The teen suspect, who has not been named due to his juvenile status, is facing multiple serious charges in connection with the fatal shooting. He has been formally charged with:

• Murder: The intentional killing of Darius Aiken, the fatal victim.
• Attempted Murder: The second victim, who survived, sustained injuries that could have been fatal had the circumstances been different.
• Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime: The use of a firearm in the commission of a violent act.

The sheriff’s office has emphasized that the young suspect will face legal consequences for his actions, though his juvenile status means that some aspects of the legal proceedings, including his name and other identifying details, have been withheld from the public.

Given the nature of the crime, there will likely be discussions regarding whether the suspect will be tried as an adult, especially given the gravity of the charges and the tragic loss of life that occurred. While the legal process unfolds, the broader community of Elloree and Calhoun County awaits answers regarding the full extent of the teen’s actions and whether the drug-laced gummy played a decisive role in the fatal outcome.

The Community’s Response: Shock and Grief

The small town of Elloree has been left in a state of shock following the tragic shooting. Many residents, who had known both Aiken and the suspect, have expressed disbelief that such an event could occur in their quiet, rural town.

In the wake of this tragedy, local organizations and leaders are rallying to provide support for the victims’ families and the wider community. Grief counseling has been offered to those affected, and residents are coming together to show their solidarity during this difficult time.

The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about the dangers of drug-laced edibles and the growing prevalence of marijuana-infused products in the market. Concerns are rising over the possibility of these products containing additional hallucinogenic substances that could have unintended, dangerous effects on users.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with additional information about the incident or the suspect’s actions to come forward. Community members who may have witnessed the shooting or seen suspicious activity leading up to the event are encouraged to cooperate with authorities.

The Path Forward: Justice and Prevention

While the teen suspect now faces serious legal consequences, the loss of Darius Aiken and the trauma inflicted on the second victim cannot be undone. However, there are ongoing efforts to ensure that justice is served and that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, along with local authorities, is working to increase awareness about the risks associated with drug-laced gummies and other edibles, which are often sold without proper regulation or oversight. It is hoped that this case will serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of consuming substances without fully understanding their potential effects.

For the families and friends of both victims, the road to healing will be long and difficult. The emotional scars of this tragedy will likely remain for years to come, but the hope is that through justice, prevention, and education, future lives can be spared from a similar fate.

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of the Dangers of Drug-Laced Edibles

The shooting that occurred in Elloree on Friday evening serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unforeseen dangers associated with drug-laced edibles. While marijuana may be legal in some states, the effects of these products—particularly those laced with hallucinogens—are still largely misunderstood. In this case, the unfortunate combination of a young suspect’s paranoia and a fatal misunderstanding led to the loss of a life and the injury of another, leaving a community forever changed.

As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the hope is that this tragedy can spur broader conversations around drug safety, mental health, and the effects of mind-altering substances on young people. The community of Calhoun County, and the families affected, must now wait for justice to be served while grappling with the emotional aftermath of a senseless and violent act.