By Betsy Finklea
One person is dead and four others are injured in a shooting that occurred in Latta early Saturday morning, according to Detective Cliff Arnette. Two people have been arrested.
Arnette said that the shooting occurred on Willis Street at the Legion Club. Coroner Donnie Grimsley confirmed that Damien Simpson, age 21, of Dillon, was killed. Arnette said four others were injured.
Two people are in custody, Arnette said. Devante McNeil, age 21, of Latta, and Benjamin Bethea, 18, of Latta, are charged with murder.
Arnette said numerous officers responded including the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, the Latta Police Department, the S.C. Highway Patrol, and the Dillon Police Department. Arnette said they appreciate the help of all of the officers.
Detectives Allan Rogers, Reggie Thompson, and John Willie Brown are the detectives on the case.
Funeral arrangements for Simpson are incomplete and will be announced by House of Thomas Funeral Home.
