Charleston Teen Shot and Killed During Attempted Robbery, Community Calls for Action

Charleston Teen Shooting Leaves Community in Shock

Charleston, S.C. has been shaken to its core following a tragic incident that unfolded on Sunday night outside of the Palmilla Apartments on Ashley River Road. A shooting incident claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy and has left many questions lingering in the air.

What Happened?

Authorities say that the chaos began when two teenagers, 18-year-old Desean Matthews and his relative, 15-year-old Rakeem Xavier Jordan Baker, decided to rob a 17-year-old at gunpoint. According to Sgt. Chris Stinson of the Charleston Police Department, this ill-fated plan ended horrifically, resulting in Baker’s untimely death.

As the attempted robbery unfolded, the 17-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, was shot by Matthews and Baker. In a moment of desperate self-defense, he managed to return fire, leading to the tragic outcome where Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Caught in the Crossfire

The community has been left reeling as details emerge about the incident. Witnesses express a mix of disbelief and sorrow, emphasizing that these kinds of violent events are sadly becoming too common. The 17-year-old who survived was taken to the hospital, where it was reported that his injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening. Thankfully, that is a small silver lining amidst such a painful event for everyone involved.

Legal Consequences

In the aftermath of the shooting, Matthews has been charged with attempted murder and armed robbery. He is currently in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center while the Charleston Police Department continues its investigation into the incident. As of now, no charges have been filed against the 17-year-old who was targeted in the robbery.

A Community’s Reaction

Residents of Charleston are understandably shaken. Community leaders are calling for more dialogues around youth violence and gun safety, hoping to prevent any future tragedies from occurring. The loss of young lives, especially those of teenagers, strikes a chord with everyone, making it all the more urgent to seek solutions that can foster a safer environment for the youth.

The Ongoing Investigation

Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are seeking any information from the public that could aid their efforts. Anyone with knowledge regarding the incident is encouraged to reach out to the on-duty central detective at 843-720-2422 or send an email to speaktocpd@charleston-sc.gov.

Moving Forward Together

As the Charleston community processes this heartbreaking event, there is a call for collective action. The tragic loss of Rakeem Baker should serve as a reminder that we all have a role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our young people. It’s important to engage in conversations about conflict resolution and making better choices, focusing on the value of life and the impact of violence.

Time will tell how the community heals from this tragedy, but the hope is that together, they can create a more peaceful Charleston—a place where families can feel safe, and tragedies like this become a thing of the past.