UPDATE: Three Confirmed Dead in Anderson Shooting — Police Investigation Intensifies as Community Mourns
ANDERSON, S.C. — What began as a single fatal shooting near West Franklin Street and Murray Avenue late Friday night has now escalated into a triple homicide investigation, according to updated information released by the Anderson Police Department. Authorities have confirmed that three individuals were killed in the shooting that has left the Anderson community devastated and on edge.
The incident, which took place around 11:30 p.m. Friday night, initially involved reports of gunfire in a residential area not far from downtown Anderson. Emergency services arrived to find multiple victims at the scene, one of whom was declared dead on arrival. As the investigation unfolded, police later confirmed that two more victims succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.
Police Confirm Triple Homicide
In a press release issued Saturday evening, Lt. Tanya Pearson, spokesperson for the Anderson Police Department, provided the grim update.
“We can now confirm that three individuals have died as a result of the shooting near West Franklin and Murray Avenue. We are treating this as an active homicide investigation involving multiple suspects or parties.”
The names of the victims have not yet been released pending family notification. Authorities are working with the Anderson County Coroner’s Office to conduct autopsies and identify the deceased.
Police have not disclosed whether the shooting occurred at a single location or in multiple areas along the intersection, though residents reported hearing dozens of shots fired in rapid succession, followed by screams and the arrival of emergency vehicles.
eyewitness Accounts: ‘It Sounded Like a War Zone’
Several residents living nearby described a harrowing scene, with the sound of gunfire tearing through the quiet night.
“I thought it was fireworks at first,” said Darnell Harris, who lives two blocks from the scene. “But then it just kept going. Pop-pop-pop-pop-pop. It sounded like a war zone.”
Others reported people running from the scene, some visibly injured or calling out for help.
“People were crying, trying to help the victims. It was chaos,” said a woman who asked not to be named. “I saw police trying to perform CPR on someone on the ground.”
No Suspects in Custody Yet
As of Saturday night, no arrests have been made, and police have not named any suspects or released descriptions. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We are asking for the public’s help,” said Lt. Pearson. “If you saw or heard anything — even if you think it’s insignificant — please reach out. That piece of information could be what solves this case.”
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has joined the investigation, providing forensic teams and additional manpower to assist in processing the crime scene and analyzing ballistic evidence.
A City in Mourning
The news of three lives lost in a single night has devastated the Anderson community, which is still grappling with a rise in violent incidents over the past year.
Local leaders and clergy are already organizing a community prayer vigil for the victims and their families, with plans to gather near the scene on Sunday evening.
“This is not just a crime scene — this is the heart of someone’s family, someone’s story, someone’s future that’s now gone,” said Reverend Lisa Thompson, who leads a nearby church. “We are heartbroken and angry, but we must stand together.”
Gun Violence on the Rise
This shooting marks one of the deadliest single incidents in Anderson in recent years and contributes to growing concerns over gun violence in the region.
According to local crime data, Anderson has seen an uptick in firearm-related deaths, particularly among young adults and in high-poverty neighborhoods. City officials are being pressed to increase community policing, expand youth engagement programs, and address underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to violent crime.
“This cannot become the norm,” said Mayor Terence Roberts. “Three lives were just taken — three families are grieving. We must act now as a community to confront the violence and restore safety.”
What We Know So Far
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The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. Friday night near West Franklin Street and Murray Avenue.
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Three people are confirmed dead; names have not yet been released.
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Police believe the shooting involved multiple parties or suspects.
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No arrests have been made as of this writing.
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Authorities are urging anyone with tips, video footage, or other information to contact Anderson Police or Crime Stoppers.
How to Help
The Anderson Police Department is asking residents to check home security or doorbell camera footage from the area around the time of the shooting. Any recordings, photos, or tips should be directed to the APD tip line at (864) 260-4444, or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Tips can remain anonymous.
A Community Left Searching for Answers
As families begin to mourn and neighbors light candles in grief, Anderson is left asking: Why? Who could commit such a brutal act? And what can be done to stop the violence from claiming more lives?
For now, three lives are gone. Families are broken. And a city is left to grieve, once again, in the shadow of gun violence.
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