A tragic shooting in North Charleston, South Carolina, claimed the life of 4-year-old Merci Watson on December 16, 2025. Newly released 911 calls capture neighbors’ panic as they reported gunshots, cars fleeing, and a young child wounded in the Van Buren Avenue neighborhood.​
Incident Details
Merci Watson suffered a gunshot wound inside the rear driver’s side of a white Nissan vehicle around 6:45 p.m. His little brother ran for help, alerting neighbors who called 911 amid reports of at least 40 shots fired and a house being targeted. He arrived at Centre Pointe Emergency Room with blood on the car seat and died just after midnight on December 17.​
Police Investigation
The North Charleston Police Department seeks a dark blue or black BMW 740 Series sedan believed connected to the shooting. No arrests have occurred as of early January 2026, with the case remaining active.​​
Community Response
A peace walk drew police, neighbors, and advocates to mourn Watson and demand an end to violence, emphasizing unity after multiple recent incidents. Calls persist for public tips to aid the investigation.
