Teen Arrested Facing Five Attempted Murder Charges After Two Violent Shooting Incidents in Laurens County

Teen Faces Five Attempted Murder Charges After Second Shooting Incident, Deputies Report

Laurens County, S.C. – Authorities from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reported an alarming development involving an 18-year-old, Jay Taylor. Taylor, recently arrested for a shooting at a local gas station, is now facing additional charges from a second, unrelated shooting.

On August 27th, Taylor was charged with attempted murder after reportedly shooting an individual in the back at a Citgo gas station on Highway 72 in Cross Hill. During his bond hearing, Taylor expressed regret, stating he “didn’t want it to go down like that.”

Further investigation led deputies to connect Taylor to another shooting incident on August 26th. This earlier incident occurred on West Calhoun Street in Joanna, where shots were fired into a home with four occupants. Although no injuries were reported, the reckless gunfire posed a significant risk to the residents.

“The actions exhibited by this individual is of a thug who had the dangerous potential to murder someone with his reckless actions,” commented Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds. He further added, “It is my hope that the court system will give him plenty of time to think about his actions. Thank you to the deputies and investigators who worked quickly and diligently on both cases.”

Following the investigation, Taylor has now been charged with a variety of serious offenses including:

• Attempted Murder x5
• Breach of Peace, Aggravated x2
• Discharging a Firearm into a Dwelling
• Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Building
• Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime x2
• Malicious Injury to Property, more than $2,000
• Malicious Injury to Property, less than $2000
• Armed Robbery
• Concealable Weapons Offense

Taylor faced another bond hearing on Friday afternoon, during which he was denied bond again.

This series of events underscores the gravity of Williams’ alleged actions and the quick response by law enforcement to ensure public safety.

The Laurens County community remains on high alert as more details from these investigations emerge. Sheriff Reynolds expressed his commitment to holding those responsible for such dangerous behaviors accountable and praised his team’s diligent efforts in swiftly addressing these critical incidents.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with further information related to these events to come forward. Public safety remains their utmost priority as they continue to investigate and address any potential threats.