Manhunt underway for suspect after pregnant woman shot and killed
A man hunt is underway after a pregnant woman was shot and killed, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO) – A man hunt is underway after a pregnant woman was shot and killed, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Early Saturday morning on March 23, two gunshot victims arrived at a local hospital and deputies were notified of the victims. Witnesses reported that the shooting incident took place in the 1700 block of North Main Street. Investigators say one of the victims was Jennifer Cruz, who died of multiple gunshot wounds. Cruz was pregnant yet the child survived and was taken to is in critical condition.
According to the sheriff’s office, the second victim suffers from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Witnesses reported that the shooter was 44-year-old Troy Wells, an acquaintance of the victims. Wells allegedly was waiting for the victims at a motel where they were staying. Investigators say at 5:42 a.m. the victims arrived, and Wells fired numerous rounds into their vehicle, striking both.
Sheriff Anthony Dennis found this crime especially heinous in that a pregnant mother was murdered. “We have reason to believe the suspect, Troy Wells, knew that Ms. Cruz was pregnant. This attack was callous and cold-blooded.” Ms. Cruz was reportedly 35 weeks pregnant with her child when she was killed. “Wells should be considered armed and dangerous, and we are asking citizens not to approach him but call 911 if they see him,” said Sheriff Dennis.
