“Callous and Cold-blooded”: Man Charged with Murder After Pregnant Woman Dies in Shooting
Sumter County Incidence
In a tragic turn of events, a pregnant woman was killed In Sumter, South Carolina, leading to the arrest and charging of a man identified as Troy Corneilus Wells on murder and attempted murder charges. According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the 33-year-old victim, Jennifer Cruz, was 35 weeks pregnant at the time of the unfortunate incident.
Victims Arrive at the Hospital
On a grim Saturday morning around 6:00 a.m., two victims of gunshot wounds arrived at Prisma Tuomey Hospital. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office was informed about the victims with additional information from witnesses that the shooting reportedly occurred in the 1700 block of North Main Street. Jennifer Cruz was one of the victims, and sadly, multiple gunshot wounds resulted in her demise. Despite the fatal injuries to the mother, her child was successfully delivered and immediately transferred to a Columbia hospital. At the time of reporting, the newborn was in critical condition, according to the SCSO.
The second gunshot victim, whose identity has not yet been released, is reported to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Their current status remains unknown.
Details of the Shooter
According to the SCSO, witnesses identified the shooter as Troy Wells, who reportedly knew the victims. Wells was allegedly waiting for the victims at a motel where they were staying. The County’s investigation shows that around 5:42 a.m., when the victims arrived, Wells opened fire and shot multiple rounds into their vehicle, striking both occupants.
A Callous and Cold-blooded Act
The sheriff’s office declared that they have reasons to believe that Wells was aware of Ms. Cruz’s pregnancy. Sumter County Sheriff, Anthony Dennis, described the attack as “callous and cold-blooded”.
The authorities have warned that Wells is armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who spots him to immediately call 911. Tips can also be reported anonymously to www.p3tips.com, or through the “P3” mobile app for a possible reward.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
