Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024

A somber night in South Carolina as the family of Winston Hunter gathered at the Sheriff’s Office to honor the 6-year-old’s life, according to WACH.

On Monday, the organization Black Law Enforcement Alliance along with Orange County deputies hosted a prayer vigil and news conference to announce a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest in the case, and plead for the community’s help.

During the vigil, however, officials announced another $1,000 was given through an anonymous donor bringing the total reward to $2,000.

“For those of you who are sitting around and saying, ‘I want to stay out of this,’ please pick up your phone and call somebody,” said Orangeburg County Sheriff, Leroy Ravenell.

Winston was killed in a drive-by shooting on May 13th on McClain St. in North.

On Friday, investigators said they had named 29-year-old Joshua Pettus as a person of interest in the case.

Investigators, community members, and county officials all came together to send a message and let the Hunter family know they are not alone in their fight for justice.

“The reason why we’re all up here is because we want to call this community to action because guess what, Winston’s parents knew where he was. He was at home in his house,” said Ravenell.

Following speeches and prayers, the Sheriff’s Office gifted Hunter’s brother a signed helmet, and gave the family flowers.

Others who addressed the crowd wanted people to remember Hunter for who he was and not by the tragedy that struck him.

One man showcasing a school assignment by Hunter, “He said my dream for the world is for everyone to be nice. I say moving forward as a community, we do exactly what Winston told us and showed us — be the light, be nice.”

The vigil ended with his brother lighting a candle in his honor and a moment of silence.

Ravenell said his office is working vigorously to find the person or persons responsible, “We’re going to charge everybody that had anything to do with this or know about it.”

Hunter was laid to rest on Saturday at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

If you know where Joshua Pettus is or have any information about this case you are urged to contact the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

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By Buffy Gunner

Independent Journalist + Business Owner | Lover of all things true crime. Mantra: Only YOU can be YOU. | Los Angeles Born | buffygunner@illicitdeeds.com

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