Merci Watson, a 4-year-old from North Charleston, South Carolina, tragically died from gunshot wounds sustained in a shooting on Van Buren Avenue.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred on Tuesday evening, December 16, 2025, around 6:45 p.m. in the 2200 block of Van Buren Avenue. Watson was rushed to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Police Response
North Charleston Police Chief Ron Camacho described the incident as a “senseless act” and a “tragic and heartbreaking loss” for the community. No arrests have been made as of the latest reports, and the investigation remains ongoing with authorities urging tips via www.northcharlestonpd.org.[3]
Community Reaction
A peace walk was held shortly after along the same stretch of road, attended by residents, police, Mayor Reggie Burgess, and others to mourn and promote unity amid a wave of recent violence. Community members, including those affected by prior gun violence, expressed profound grief over the loss of another young life.
