On Saturday, one of the suspects allegedly involved in a South Carolina mall shooting was released on a $25,000 bond.
According to news agency The State, Jewayne M. Price, 22, was charged with attempted murder, unlawful carrying of a pistol, and nine counts of assault and battery.
Price is suspected of playing a part in a shootout in Columbiana Centre mall that injured fourteen people.
Around 2 p.m. on April 16, two people approached Price near the Gap store in Columbiana Centre and began firing, according to Price’s attorney Todd Rutherford. Price, armed with a pistol, returned fire.
The lawyer explained that his client “simply defended himself” in an unprovoked attack.
“[Price] called the police, turned himself in, turned over the firearm that was used in this, and gave a statement to the Columbia Police Department,” said Rutherford. “That is why he got a $25,000 bond.”
Rutherford also stated in court that Price had received threats on Facebook but did not disclose the details.
“People want to make it seem like he’s an animal, but he’s a good kid,” said Price’s mother.
If Price can post bond, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor, be home by 9 p.m. daily, and only travel to and from work.
The shootout ended with over a dozen reported victims, ranging from 15 to 73 years old. Nine of the victims had been shot, while at least five others were injured as they attempted to flee.
The 73-year-old victim, a woman, received further medical treatment at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital while the others injured were released.
Rutherford claims that his client has no criminal record, though Price reportedly had a previous charge that was dismissed. In 2018, Price was allegedly charged as an accessory in the shooting death of a teen in Richland County. There are not any court records available online.
The mass shooting in South Carolina prompted law enforcement officials to question the justice system in South Carolina.
“We catch people, they serve a little bit of time, they get out, and they get right back doing what they normally do, and that’s commit crimes,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott at a press conference. “The criminal justice system needs to do better.”
Marquise Love Robinson, 20, is also a suspect in the shooting and was charged with attempted murder, unlawful carrying of a pistol, and nine counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
Amari Sincere-Jamal Smith, 21, is wanted on the same charges. Smith is considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who helps the agency apprehend him.