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Goose Creek Teen Shot & Killed in Hanahan Identified by Coroner

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
FILE

HANAHAN, S.C.–The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office has identified a Goose Creek teen who was found shot to death in Hanahan early Friday morning.

According to Coroner Bill Salisbury, the teen has been identified as Payton Robert Velarde, 15, of Goose Creek. Salisbury stated that he died from a gunshot wound.

Velarde was found fatally wounded and lying along the 11-block of Belvedere Drive early Friday morning at 1:17 a.m.

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During a press conference, Hanahan Police Chief Dennis Turner described the crime as unusual for this particular area.

“This is an older part of Hanahan. It’s very quiet over there. We have the occasional car break-ins and disturbances. This is just very unusual for this area,” stated Chief Turner.

Velarde’s death has been ruled a homicide. It’s not clear what led up to the fatal shooting. The Hanahan Police Department is investigating and continue to look for a suspect.

“We believe this to be an isolated incident. The residents of that area are not at risk. I want to make that clear,” stated Chief Turner.

So far, no arrests have been made in the case.  If you have any information on this case, call the Hanahan Police Dept. at 843-747-5711 or Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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