Sumter, South Carolina – A tragic shooting incident in Sumter, South Carolina, resulted in the death of a pregnant woman, with both her newborn baby and another individual hospitalized. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is currently leading a manhunt for the suspected gunman involved in this heinous crime. The victim, identified as 33-year-old Jennifer Marie Cruz, was pronounced dead at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Sheriff Anthony Dennis revealed that Cruz was reportedly 35 weeks pregnant at the time of the shooting. Despite her tragic passing, the unborn fetus was successfully delivered and transported to a hospital in Columbia, where it remains in critical condition. Additionally, another individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, with their injuries deemed non-life-threatening by authorities.
According to witnesses, the shooter was identified as Troy Wells, an acquaintance of the victims. Allegedly, Wells ambushed the victims at a motel early Saturday morning, firing multiple rounds into their vehicle upon arrival. Both Cruz and the other victim were struck by gunfire, although no motive for the attack has been disclosed.
Dennis condemned the brutal nature of the assault, emphasizing that Wells should be considered armed and dangerous. The suspect is facing charges of murder and attempted murder as law enforcement continues their search for him. Citizens are urged not to approach Wells but to contact 911 immediately if they have any information about his whereabouts.
As the investigation unfolds, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and coroner’s office are working diligently to gather more details about the incident. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston on Monday to further unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.