WCSO Investigates Homicide at Young’s Convenience Store — Arrest Made

WCSO Investigates Homicide at Young’s Convenience Store — Arrest Made

The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is actively investigating a tragic and deeply disturbing homicide that occurred on June 12, 2025, outside Young’s Convenience Store located at 11202 Hemingway Highway, in the Kingstree area of Williamsburg County. The incident has led to the arrest of Edith Chinethia Williams, age 46, of Kingstree, South Carolina, who is now facing multiple felony charges in connection with the deadly shooting.

Williams was formally charged with:

• Murder (S.C. Code 16-03-0010)
• Attempted Murder (S.C. Code 16-03-0029)
• Two counts of Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child (S.C. Code 63-05-0070)
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (S.C. Code 16-17-0490)

Incident Narrative

At approximately 6:45 p.m. on June 12, 2025, WCSO deputies responded to multiple reports of gunfire near Young’s Convenience Store. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle that had veered into the wood line across from the store. Inside were two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel with Williamsburg County EMS arrived shortly thereafter and began life-saving efforts.

One victim was stabilized and transported to a local medical facility for further treatment. Unfortunately, the second victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Williamsburg County Coroner’s Office responded to the location and has taken over responsibility for identifying and processing the remains. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending family notification.

WCSO’s investigation quickly uncovered troubling details surrounding the shooting.

According to investigators, the victims had driven to Young’s Convenience Store. One victim entered the store while the other remained in the vehicle. Upon exiting and re-entering the vehicle, the victims prepared to leave when they were ambushed by a juvenile suspect who had been transported to the location by Edith Williams.

The juvenile suspect — a co-defendant in this case — exited from the front passenger side of Williams’ vehicle. Using the vehicle itself for concealment, the suspect crouched at the rear to avoid being seen, then advanced on the victims’ vehicle. The suspect fired multiple rounds into the car, striking both occupants.

Adding to the gravity of the crime, two other juvenile children were in the back seat of Williams’ vehicle during the shooting. These children, unrelated to the shooting, were subjected to extreme danger and psychological trauma as they were placed in the direct vicinity of a violent gun attack.

The motives behind the shooting remain undetermined. However, authorities have emphasized that Edith Williams not only facilitated the suspect’s arrival at the scene but knowingly placed innocent juveniles at risk, leading to her being charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Arrest and Charges

In the early morning hours of June 13, 2025, Edith Chinethia Williams was located by law enforcement officers and taken into custody without incident. She was transported to the Williamsburg County Detention Center, where she awaits arraignment on the aforementioned charges.

The juvenile co-defendant involved in the shooting is also being investigated and is expected to face charges as a result of their direct involvement. Due to their age, further information regarding the juvenile suspect is being withheld at this time in accordance with South Carolina law.

Ongoing Investigation

The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), continues to investigate all aspects of the case. Forensic analysis, witness interviews, and surveillance footage reviews are ongoing to build a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to this tragic incident.

“We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims of this senseless and violent act,” said Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen R. Gardner. “We will pursue every lead until all those responsible are held fully accountable under the law. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and all those affected by this tragedy.”

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 355-6381 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry.

Press Contact:

Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office

Public Information Division

Phone: (843) 355-6381

Email: info@wcso.sc.gov

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