In connection with the Saturday night shooting death of 12-year-old Messiah Barrino outside his home on Skywatch Lane, a 17-year-old has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder.
A grieving community and much unanswered questions remain after Barrino, a cherished student at Monroe Middle School, passed away on Monday from his wounds.
Union County Public Schools would like to offer the Barrino family its deepest sympathies. Monroe Middle’s staff, students, and administrators are extremely devastated by Messiah’s untimely death, a Union County Public Schools representative told WBTV. Our schools and community are greatly impacted when UCPS loses a child. It is imperative that we give bereaved individuals more help during such times.
The school will provide its employees and kids access to more grief counselors this week.
According to Monroe Police, the event took place amid a large altercation that involved over 20 persons on Saturday night.
The incident may have been a planned meeting between two sides to an existing dispute, according to authorities. According to sources, Barrino was shot as a bystander and was not a part of the altercation.
The gunfire also injured a 15-year-old, who is now recuperating.
As the investigation progresses, further arrests and charges are anticipated, according to Monroe police.
To identify all persons involved, detectives are currently looking at security footage and witness accounts. Both adults and minors were present at the scene, according to Monroe Police Department Lt. Morgan Malone, who also stated that the event was not connected to a gang.
According to the lieutenant, detectives have concluded from the inquiry that it was a sort of prearranged meeting between two groups of people who are at odds with one another.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.