2 injured, 1 dead after separate shootings this weekend in Sumter; police investigating

Sumter Police Department is investigating two separate shootings that occurred this weekend, one which resulted in death.

After 10 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a shots fired call when two shooting victims were dropped off at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Two men, ages 21 and 23, said they were walking in the Purdy Street/South Guignard Drive area when they were struck by gunfire, according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department.

One victim was transferred to a Columbia hospital for further treatment; both are expected to recover.

Hours later at about 9 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a suspicious person call when the body of Westley Rodregus Vaughn, 35, of Carver Street, was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside in the 100 block of Carver Street, McGirt said. Vaughn was last seen walking from his home to a nearby convenience store late Saturday.

Next of kin were notified of Vaughn’s death by Sumter County Coroner’s Office and an autopsy has been scheduled.

Investigations are ongoing for both incidents.

Officers are working to determine whether anyone in the areas of the shooting saw or heard anything. At this time, it is not known who was involved or if the two incidents could be connected, McGirt said.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call the police department at (803) 436-2700. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or submitted online at p3tips.com or by using the P3Tips app for mobile devices.