18-year-old Rha’hiem Bailey from Florence is now the third person charged with murder in the December 1 killing of 19-year-old pregnant Zy’naija Thomas from Bishopville, following arrests of Sincere Hickman (23) and Ja’kaurie Bell (17).
Case background
Police say the group was in a white Honda on Roberts Street when shots were fired into Thomas’s vehicle, killing her and her unborn child. Warrants place Bailey with Hickman and Bell, with Bell driving.
Charges across suspects
All three face murder, attempted murder (likely tied to the survivor hospitalized with critical injuries), aggravated breach of peace, possession of a weapon during violent crime, and criminal conspiracy. Bailey was arrested Friday; Hickman extradited from Pennsylvania last month; Bell nabbed days after the shooting.
This drive-by tragedy highlights Pee Dee area’s gun violence surge, with quick arrests showing solid police work via vehicle/witness leads. No trial dates or motives public yet.
