Two men have been arrested and charged with murder following a shooting that left 27-year-old Arieyelle Coulette dead in Sumter County early Saturday morning.
Incident Details
The investigation began after police responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Carolina Avenue. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a home that had been struck by gunfire. They later learned that Coulette had been shot and was transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in a personal vehicle. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries.
Investigation and Charges
Authorities determined that the shots were fired from near a parked vehicle toward another vehicle in which Coulette was a passenger. Both the vehicle and a nearby home were hit, but fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
Further investigation led to the identification of two suspects, Elijah Handy, 28, of Bishopville, and Dorein Antwon Vereen-Price, 28, of Florence and Longs. The two men were charged with murder and transported to the Sumter County Jail. Handy also faces a weapons-related charge in Lee County.
The Sumter Police Department, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, is continuing its investigation to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the shooting and what specifically led to the tragic incident.
Community Assistance
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700 or to leave a tip with Sumter Crime Stoppers at 803-436-2718. Tips can also be submitted through the P3Tips website or app.
