Teen Fatally Shot at Pageland Watermelon Festival

A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot Friday night near a police tent at the Pageland Watermelon Festival in South Carolina, sparking chaos and prompting a state police investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Despite emergency efforts, the victim was pronounced dead around midnight. Authorities have not yet identified or apprehended a suspect. In response, some festival events in Pageland were canceled out of respect for the victim and his family, while others resumed with increased security and earlier closing times. The shooting has shaken the community, with leaders urging unity and support for those affected. In contrast, the Mize Watermelon Festival in Mississippi proceeded as planned, underscoring the tragedy's impact in Pageland.