3 dead, suspect dies by suicide in apparent family dispute: NCPD

LADSON, SC (WCIV) — Three people were killed and a suspect was found dead after what investigators described as a domestic dispute in Ladson Friday night.

Around 4:41 p.m., officers from the North Charleston Police Department responded to the 9600 block of Patriot Boulevard for reports of shots fired. When officers entered the apartment, they found three people dead, North Charleston Police Department spokesman Harve Jacobs said.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect, while leaving the residence, was armed with an AR-style rifle and struck someone. Witnesses also said the suspect took a 5-year-old child from the scene, North Charleston police reported.

With the help of witnesses, police were able to identify and locate the suspect. When they arrived at the suspect’s address, officers saw the suspect leave the house with the child. After putting the child down, he shot himself, which led to his death, police said.

The child was unharmed. No identification has yet been provided by the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.

The flat where the three people were found dead is Abberly Crossing Apartment Homes.