WRENS, Ga. (WJBF) — [UPDATE] – Investigators believe Larry Mackie was involved in two shootings Saturday morning. Including one that killed a teenager in Graniteville, South Carolina. They’re working to find out if he was involved in a third.
Credit: Aiken County Sheriff’s Office
It’s Wrens’ first shooting in three years. Chief of Police, Jayme Kitchens, says Larry Bernard Mackie, Jr. is the shooter – at the Family Dollar on Main Street. Witnesses say the suspect stood in line like any other customer, approached the counter, and shot the woman.
“Unfortunately, an event like this you can’t really prepare for, again this was totally unprovoked,” said Jamey Kitchens, Chief of Police, Wrens.
That victim identified as Cynthia Whiting was transported to the hospital and at last check is stable. Investigators say Mackie is a suspect in that shooting and another in Graniteville, South Carolina are connected. And they are also investigating whether or not Mackie was involved in a shooting on Deans Bridge road … happening nearly an hour before the shooting in Wrens.
“The Richmond County Sheriff’s office received a shooting on Highway 1 just inside the Richmond County line close to Jefferson county a little closer to Blythe,” said Kitchen.
Investigators say that the shooting involved a woman who was in her car at the time. They say that suspect drove up next to her and shot her.
“At this time we don’t have anything concrete, but there are some similarities between the description of that vehicle and the vehicle leaving the scene at the family dollar,” said Kitchen.
“Everywhere you turn, there’s a gun. Everybody want a gun, everybody wants to misuse a gun,” said Alberta, Lives in Wrens.
Investigators say Mackie ‘s spree continued to Aiken County where things turned deadly. Police say the 30-year-old shot and killed a 14-year-oldNathaniel Tyler Johnson.
Aiken County authorities took him into custody Saturday afternoon. Chief Kitchens with the Wrens Police Department has confirmed Mackie is also the suspect in the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy in Graniteville.
In a statement, Chief Kitchens wrote, “The Wrens Police Department and the GBI will be assisting the Aiken County and Richmond County investigators as this case proceeds. Thank you to everyone who reached out with information and calls. Please keep all of the victims of today’s events in your thoughts and prayers.”
Count on NewsChannel 6 to keep you updated on this developing story.
WRENS, Ga. (WJBF) – One person was shot at a local business in Wrens.
Authorities say at 9 a.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at the Family Dollar on North Main St in Wrens.
“At about 7:55 am this morning the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office received a shooting on Highway 1 just inside the Richmond County line in Jefferson County closer to Blythe. At this time we don’t have anything concrete, but there are some similarities between the description of that vehicle and the description of the vehicle seen leaving the family dollar,” said Chief Jayme Kitchens, Wrens Police Department.
A release from the GBI states that an individual entered the store at 8:55 a.m., pulled a handgun from his pocket, and fired multiple shots at the store clerk, striking them at least once.
Upon officers arriving on the scene, the victim was alert and talking and was transported to an Augusta area Medical Facility for treatment.
Investigators say the suspect then exited the store and entered a black, four-door 2018-2019 Hyundai Sonata, and departed the scene, traveling Southbound on U. S. 1
The suspect is described as a Black Male possibly in his 40’s, 6-00/200-225lbs, bald, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, dressed in a white T-shirt, dark-colored cargo pants, and black tennis shoes.
Investigators say he is considered Armed & Dangerous. If you have any information, you’re asked to call 911.
We’re told robbery does not appear to be the motive.
GBI is currently the primary investigating body on the shooting, working in coordination with Jefferson County and Richmond County Sheriff’s Offices.
There is NO active shooter and NO imminent danger to the community.
Investigators say this same suspect was connected to another deadly shooting involving a 14-year-old in Graniteville, South Carolina. We’ll continue to follow this and keep you updated as we learn more.
