Lexington, SC (Diana Nation) – Chief Terrence Green is announcing the arrests of three suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred December 19, 2019 at the Hickory Hills Mobile Home Park in the Town of Lexington.
Kenneth Maurice West, Jr., 19, Justin Isaiha Peeples, 20 and a 17-year-old juvenile, whose name will not be released because he is under the age of 18, have been arrested. All the suspects are from Columbia.
At approximately midnight on December 19, officers with the Town of Lexington Police Department were dispatched to the Hickory Hills Mobile Home Park to a shooting which had just occurred. Upon their arrival, the victim was found laying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his chest and right leg. These wounds were later determined to be non-life threatening. Witnesses at the scene reported to officers that multiple shots had been fired and just after this they had seen a white sedan leaving the mobile home park.
While Lexington Police officers were on this scene, officers with the Columbia Police Department were notified by EMS that Kenneth West, Jr. had been shot and was in need of medical attention. West had been shot in the arm with what was described as a non-life-threatening injury. Columbia Police also located a white sedan that was believed to be the one involved along with West in the Hickory Hills shooting incident.
During the course of the investigation, detectives utilized several investigative tools. They were able to ascertain that the suspects had contacted the victim with the intent of purchasing marijuana. The victim said he could sell them some marijuana and they could come to his home and get it. Shortly after the suspects arrived at the victim’s home, they began shooting at the victim. The victim was also armed with a handgun and returned fire striking Kenneth West, Jr.
The three suspects have been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime and Criminal Conspiracy. The 17-year-old juvenile is being charged as an adult. All three are being held at the Lexington County Detention Center where a judge has denied them bond.
Chief Green would like to thank the Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington County Multi-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for their assistance with this case.