Sheriff Lott calls on parents to act after string of gun murders by teenagers
RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WOLO) — According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, there have been four murders in Richland County since November 22nd — leading to eight arrests.
Wednesday morning, Sheriff Leon Lott held a press conference to provide updates on these recent homicides in the area — many of them carried out by teenagers.
The latest shooting death on Hunt Club Road on December 12th marked the 25th murder in Richland County in 2025.
Lott says more needs to be done — from the parents.
“Seventeen and 18-year-olds out here with guns, and parents don’t know anything about it. We need more parents’ involvement,” says Lott.
Three young men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting on Hunt Club Road. 17-year-olds Jeremiah Selph and Corey James, as well as 18-year-old Prince-Jay’lan Hutcherson all face murder charges.
Deputies say a fourth suspect, 17-year-old Michael Mickel, Jr. also died from gunshot wounds after the victim shot him in self-defense.
“Kind of discouraging to think that’s where this generation is at right now. Where we’re losing this generation to guns. Cut to: we’re teaching our kids, trying to teach them, on our part, how to make good decisions, and having a gun is not making a good decision. But education starts at the home,” says Lott.
Other recent arrests include 17-year-olds Andre Ferguson, and Kentrail Fuller — connected to a murder on Leeward Loop. And 26-year-old Mario Corrales was arrested for murder on Percival Road. Sixty-two-year-old Eulese Patterson was also arrested for murder on Fairfield Road since November 22nd.
Lott says since the department started holding parents accountable in shooting deaths this past January, deputies have received an influx of calls from parents and grandparents asking for help with their troubled teens.
He encourages more to do the same, saying their youth services division, behavioral diversion programs, and parent support groups are there waiting to help.
“But they gotta initiate that call. If anything I’m standing here begging, pleading, praying, that these parents and grandparents reach out to us. Let us help you. We can do it. We can help you. We’re not the bad guys,” he says.
If you’re a parent or grandparent that needs help, you can call youth and parent services with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 576-3070 for support.
