Shooting victim stable in Columbia ICU unit

By JOE PERRY
Item Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

A 31-year-old Wedgefield man shot in the back early Wednesday evening and airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland was in stable condition on Thursday, according to Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis.

Henry “Scoop” Brooks Jr., of 79 Sally St., was reportedly shot about 6:36 p.m. after a dispute with Aaron Alexander Barnette, 26, of 160 Praylou Road. Deputies and witnesses said Barnette fired several shots into the air near his home, then shot Brooks in the middle of his back with a Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun farther down the road.

Brooks was carried back by two friends after being shot and Barnette was taken into custody by deputies who were talking with him on the phone and convinced him to give himself up peacefully and without further incident.

His gun was recovered, along with extra ammunition, and he was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.

Brooks was flown out of Sumter about 7:30 p.m. by a Life Net helicopter.

“They think he’s gonna make it,” Dennis said, adding that Brooks is still in the Intensive Care Unit. A deputy went to the hospital in Columbia, he said, in hopes of talking with Brooks and gaining more information about the shooting.

Jail officials said Wednesday Barnette could have a bond hearing today.

The case remains under investigation.