Sumter officials say woman fatally shot was 35 weeks pregnant; deputies continue to search for suspect

Sumter County investigators have released more information regarding the fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday, March 23.

Before 6 a.m., Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified of two gunshot victims who arrived at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital after witnesses reported a shooting that occurred in the 1700 block of North Main Street.

According to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, one of the victims, Jennifer Marie Cruz, 33, of Sumter, died from multiple gunshot wounds. Cruz was 35 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident. The child survived and was delivered before being taken to a Columbia hospital and remains there in critical condition, Bordeaux said.

The second victim suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound; the victim's status was unknown on Saturday night, according to Bordeaux.

Witnesses identified Troy Cornelus Wells, 44, an acquaintance of the victims, as the shooter to investigators. According to Bordeaux, Wells waited for the victims at a motel where they were staying and at about 5:42 a.m. fired numerous shots into their vehicle, striking both.

“We have reason to believe the suspect, Troy Wells, knew that Ms. Cruz was pregnant. This attack was callous and cold-blooded,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis.

Wells is wanted on charges of murder and attempted murder, according to Bordeaux. Wells is to be considered armed and dangerous, and Dennis asks residents to not approach him but call 911 if he is seen.

Information can also be anonymously submitted for a reward at p3tips.com or using the P3 Tips app for mobile devices.