YORK COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) – Five people, including two children, were killed in a mass shooting that injured a sixth person at a Rock Hill home Wednesday afternoon. The person deputies believe is responsible for the shooting was found at a nearby home.
The shooting happened just before 5 p.m. on Marshall Road.
Officers said a doctor, his wife and two grandchildren were found dead inside the home with gunshot wounds. Another man was found dead outside of the home.
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Dr. Robert Lesslie, 70, and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69, were pronounced dead, as were 9-year-old Adah Lesslie and 5-year-old Noah Lesslie.
A fifth victim, identified as 38-year-old James Lewis, from Gaston County, was working at the home when he was fatally shot, according to the York County coroners office.
A sixth person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries from gunshot wounds.
York County homicide investigationDeputies are providing an update after five people were killed — including children ages 9 and 5 — at a home in York County on Wednesday. » https://bit.ly/3uKLGOT
Posted by WBTV News on Wednesday, April 7, 2021
We are shocked that this type of incident happened here, said Trent Faris, with the York County Sheriffs Office. This is a very tragic situation.
Dr. Lesslie was a prominent doctor in Rock Hill who published several books. Lesslie and his wife were married for at least 35 years.
Faris said Dr. Lesslie started the Riverview Medical Center.
Ive lived in Rock Hill my whole life and Dr. Lesslie was my doctor, Faris said. A lot of people know doctor Lesslie.
The shooting led to an hours-long search for what officers called an armed and dangerous suspect.
The person deputies believe is responsible for the shooting was found at his home on Marshall Road. Investigators have not released a motive or said whether the alleged shooter knew the victims.
Dr. Lesslie has been married to his wife Barbara for 40+ yrs. She and their 2 grandchildren were among the 5 people who were killed in the shooting. James Lewis and the 6th person who was shot were said to be working on the Lesslie’s house when the shooting happened. (4/5)
Kristi O’Connor WBTV (@KristiOConnor_) April 8, 2021
Deputies said they were at the home conducting a search warrant.
Officers would not say if the suspect was alive.
None of us can figure out why, Faris said.
Law enforcement helicopters and drones were used to look for the suspect.
Officials asked citizens in the area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors during the search for the suspect.
NEW: Residents in the area of 4400 Marshal Rd. YCSO is looking for a young black male wearing a black hoodie and camo pants last seen in the area of 4400 Marshall Rd, Rock Hill. Suspect is possibly armed & dangerous. Any contact or information call 9-1-1 immediately. #YCSONews
YCSO_SC (@YCSO_SC) April 7, 2021