UPDATE: 11-year-old killed after man enters Sumter Co. home; suspect linked to wife’s death also

Reuben Arthur Leonard is accused of killing an 11-year-old child and his wife on Wednesday, April 16. (Photo: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A man has been arrested after a child was shot and killed late Wednesday night, said investigators.

Sumter County deputies received a call about a shooting on Floyd Drive around 10:32 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, said the sheriff’s office.

Witnesses told deputies that a neighbor identified as Reuben Arthur Leonard entered the home and began firing a weapon.

Deputies arrived to the scene to find a child had suffered a gunshot wound and that Leonard was being restrained by family members.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attempted lifesaving measures, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene, said Sumter Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Leonard was taken into custody and told deputies he had killed his wife prior to the shooting on Floyd Drive.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office notified the Sumter Police Department which responded to Leonard’s home on Saltwood Road and located his wife dead.

His 76-year-old wife was found shot and killed inside the garage of the home, according to Sumter Police Department.

He was taken by EMS to an area hospital for treatment of injuries.

Investigators said Leonard is expected to recover and will be charged by Sumter Police Department with murder as the investigations continue.

Upon his release from the hospital he will also be booked into the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

Additionally, Leonard is being charged with the sheriff’s office for murder as well.

“This is a horrific incident, and our investigators are working diligently to uncover all the details,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis.

The investigation remains ongoing.