In Lancaster, South Carolina, six individuals aged between 13 and 21 have been charged following the random murder of a mother, Larisha Charlell Thompson, who was driving to meet friends in Rock Hill on May 2.
Thompson, 40, was shot while driving on Riverside Road, not far from Charlotte, North Carolina. On May 12, officials arrested three adults, namely 21-year-old Asael Aminadas Torres Kirinos, 18-year-old Jarby Ardon Ramos-Odari, and 17-year-old Jason Pineda Salgado. In addition, three minors aged 13, 14, and 15 were detained for their involvement in the incident and another robbery that took place on April 30.
“This shooting shows a complete disregard for decency in our society,” remarked Lancaster Sheriff Barry Ferru. He noted that on that Friday, Thompson had been working on her business when suddenly, these six individuals attempted to rob her, leading to the tragic outcome.
The Department of Homeland Security has taken custody of all six suspects, with officials stating that the community is safer with them off the streets.
Authorities stated that the shooting occurred during what they describe as a random botched robbery attempt, with all suspects believed to have been in the same vehicle as Torres Kirinos.
They reportedly tried to enter Thompson’s vehicle but fled upon realizing it was locked.
Earlier, on April 30, law enforcement responded to a robbery at Van Wackmart on Rock Hill Highway. The store’s owner provided deputies with surveillance footage showing several young men attempting to enter the store late at night. When they couldn’t, they smashed a door and allegedly fired a gun at the restroom door, leading detectives to collect ballistic evidence.
Notably, the locations of Thompson’s murder and the robbery were only a short drive apart.
Investigators later found that the ballistic evidence from Thompson’s murder matched the 9mm firearm used during the robbery. Digital surveillance helped them pinpoint Torres-Chirinos at both crime scenes, and he was interrogated by police, resulting in the identification and capture of five additional suspects.
The three adult suspects are facing charges including murder, attempted armed robbery, and robbery. Authorities suspect Torres Kirinos fired the weapon in both instances, and he faces additional charges related to illegal firearm possession.
Bail has been denied for all three adults charged. Meanwhile, the three juveniles face similar charges.
According to officials, all six suspects are set to be removed from the U.S. due to their immigration status.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed they are detaining these individuals, emphasizing that this does not imply they will be deported without addressing their legal matters in court. Thompson’s family is understandably devastated, grappling with the shock of the situation.
