Leric Merriweather, 29, of Edgefield, was shot and killed Saturday night, June 6, around 8:45 on Moragne Street. According to Edgefield Police Chief Ronnie Carter, who spoke to The Advertiser regarding the incident, it is believed Merriweather had been at a party earlier in the evening where he had gotten into a confrontation with another man, Montrell Troutman. Merriweather left that party, however, without further incident and went to Moragne Street to take a third person home. Troutman later arrived at Moragne Street and, again, an argument ensued. However, this time Troutman pulled out a 380 pistol and fired a total of five times at Merriweather, hitting him once in the chest. One of the five shots also hit another person on the scene, grazing his leg. That victim was treated and released from Edgefield County Hospital.

Merriweather was transported to ECH where he later died from his injuries. ECH was placed on lock down for a time after the incident due to the large amount of people who arrived there after the shooting. Chief Carter said there were “just too many people” at the hospital but that no arrests were made there.

After the shooting, Troutman did flee the scene. However, he did return to Moragne Street about an hour and a half after the shooting and turned himself in to law enforcement. Troutman was arrested and transported to the Edgefield County Detention Center without incident. He has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Troutman, 35, is from Florida but had been living in the Edgefield area for a couple of months. Chief Carter confirmed Troutman has a “substantial rap sheet” and said that more charges may be forthcoming.

The gun used in this shooting has not yet been recovered. However, shell casing from that firearm were collected as evidence from the scene. The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, the Johnston Police Department, and the Trenton Police Department all assisted the Edgefield Police Department at the time of the incident. The EPD is in charge of this case and is continuing to investigate this shooting.