Sadly, the bullets did not stay confined to the street.

One round pierced the thin walls of a nearby unit, striking the two 5-year-old brothers and the 18-year-old male. All three victims were located inside the apartment at the time, with no connection to the shooters — making them entirely innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of what law enforcement now suspects to be gang-related retaliation.

Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter. Twin A was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly upon arrival. Twin B, who was also struck, was stabilized at the scene and is currently undergoing treatment in intensive care.

The 18-year-old, who has not yet been named by law enforcement, is reportedly cooperating with investigators. His role in the events, if any, remains unclear, but officials believe he too was not involved in the shootout and may have simply been visiting the apartment at the time.

The Charges: Who Is Shawnteza La Shay Sherman?

Shawnteza La Shay Sherman, 31, of Greenville County, was arrested within hours of the shooting and is now facing a string of serious charges. Court documents allege that Sherman played a direct role in orchestrating and executing the retaliatory shooting that led to the death of Twin A.

Prosecutors have charged her with:

• Murder (in connection with the death of Twin A)
• Two counts of Attempted Murder (in connection with injuries sustained by Twin B and the 18-year-old male)
• Criminal Conspiracy (suggesting she acted in concert with others to plan or carry out the violent encounter)

Sherman’s prior criminal record, while not disclosed in detail by the Sheriff’s Office, reportedly includes arrests related to illegal firearm possession, drug trafficking, and gang association. Investigators are now exploring her ties to local gang activity and whether the shooting was part of a larger, retaliatory network of violence stretching across multiple neighborhoods.

She is currently being held at the Greenville County Detention Center without bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.

A Juvenile Suspect Also Charged

In a related development, law enforcement has confirmed that a juvenile was also arrested in connection to the shooting. The minor, whose identity is protected under South Carolina law due to age, has been charged with possession of a firearm while under the age of 18.

According to Sheriff Lewis, the juvenile was found in possession of a semi-automatic handgun at the time of the arrest. Authorities are working to determine how the minor obtained the weapon and whether they discharged it during the incident.

The juvenile is currently being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia, South Carolina, and may face additional charges as the investigation continues.

The Search for Others Involved

While Sherman and the juvenile are in custody, Sheriff Lewis has been clear: the investigation is far from over. “We believe there were multiple shooters involved,” he said in a press briefing. “We will not rest until everyone responsible is held accountable.”

Investigators are pouring over surveillance footage, conducting interviews, and examining ballistic evidence to identify other individuals connected to the gunfire. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that no witnesses have yet come forward, something Sheriff Lewis finds deeply troubling.

“This was a senseless and heartbreaking act of violence,” Lewis said. “Several individuals recklessly fired upon each other, endangering innocent lives. Our community deserves better. We are asking—no, pleading—for the public to step forward. This cannot happen again.”

He added that special task forces are working “around the clock” to track down additional suspects.

Community in Shock

The Belle Meade Apartments complex, typically considered a quiet part of Greenville, has been transformed in the days following the shooting. Residents gathered outside their homes in stunned silence the evening after the tragedy, many bringing flowers, candles, and toys to lay near the building where the twins lived.

“They were just babies,” one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, told Channel2 NOW. “This shouldn’t be happening anywhere, but especially not here. I’ve lived here for over ten years, and nothing like this has ever happened.”

Local churches and community organizations, including Upstate Strong Families and Greenville United Against Violence, have mobilized to support the victims’ family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with medical expenses and funeral costs, though it remains unclear how much has been raised as of this writing.

Larger Questions: Guns, Gangs, and Accountability

The incident has reignited local and statewide conversations about gun violence, particularly the proliferation of firearms among juveniles and those with prior criminal histories. Law enforcement agencies have pointed to “straw purchasing” — where legal buyers acquire firearms on behalf of those prohibited from owning them — as a serious concern.

South Carolina lawmakers have also expressed interest in revisiting juvenile justice reforms, particularly focusing on how underage individuals access firearms and participate in gang activity.

Meanwhile, community leaders are urging a public reckoning with the cycle of violence.

“This isn’t just about one shooting,” said Rev. Charles Bennett of Greenville’s Community of Hope Church. “This is about broken systems, easy access to guns, and a culture of silence. If we want to honor these children, we must start telling the truth — and stepping up.”

What Comes Next

As of Saturday, April 26, the investigation remains highly active. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers of Greenville. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

The following points summarize where the case stands:

• Victim Status:
  • Twin A (5 years old) – Deceased
  • Twin B (5 years old) – Critical Condition
  • 18-Year-Old Male – Expected to Recover
• Suspects:
  • Shawnteza La Shay Sherman, 31 – Charged and in custody
  • Juvenile male – Charged with unlawful firearm possession and in custody
• Investigation: Ongoing; more suspects likely
• Community: In mourning and calling for justice
• Public Appeal: Officials are urging anyone with relevant information or surveillance footage to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers of Greenville at 23-CRIME (864-232-7463). Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the P3 Tips app.

This story will be updated as more details become available, including victim identities, court proceedings, and further arrests.

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