Sumter, South Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday in Sumter, South Carolina, where a pregnant woman lost her life in a shooting that also left her infant child and another person injured. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is now leading a manhunt for the suspect responsible for this heinous crime.
The victim, Jennifer Marie Cruz, a 33-year-old Sumter resident, was rushed to Prisma Health Tuomey following the shooting but tragically succumbed to her injuries. Reports indicate that Cruz, who was 35 weeks pregnant, died from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite her passing, the infant survived and was successfully delivered, although in critical condition and promptly taken to a hospital in Columbia.
In addition to Cruz and the infant, another individual was also wounded in the shooting, with their injuries reported as non-life threatening by the sheriff’s office. The victims were brought to the Sumter hospital early Saturday morning following the incident that occurred on the 1700 block of North Main Street as per witness statements. The alleged shooter, identified as Troy Wells, an acquaintance of the victims, was reported to have been waiting for them at a nearby motel.
Authorities stated that upon the arrival of the victims at the motel, Wells opened fire on their vehicle, resulting in Cruz and the other victim sustaining gunshot wounds. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, with Sheriff Anthony Dennis stating concerns over the callousness and cold-blooded nature of the assault.
Wells currently faces charges of murder and attempted murder and is considered armed and dangerous, prompting authorities to urge citizens not to approach him but to contact 911 if sighted. An ongoing investigation by the sheriff’s office and coroner’s office seeks to gather more information, while an autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Those with any relevant information on Wells or the shooting are encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit tips online.