Tragic Incident in Summerville: Woman Shot by Hunter
Overview
A tragic event unfolded in Summerville, South Carolina, when a 54-year-old woman named Lori Wind was shot and killed by a hunter who reportedly mistook her for a deer. The incident occurred while Wind and her husband were walking their dog near the Sawmill Branch Walking Trail.
Details of the Incident
The shooting took place on Tuesday night, around 8:15 p.m. Kristofer Kelle McDonald, a 20-year-old, allegedly fired three rounds from a 20-gauge shotgun during an unlawful night hunt. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office reported that police believe McDonald mistook the sounds of rustling leaves for deer.
According to the authorities, Wind was struck by a single bullet, resulting in her untimely death. Her husband sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was hospitalized with severe, life-threatening injuries.
Legal Violations
The act of hunting at night and within close proximity to residential areas is illegal in South Carolina. State law mandates that hunting must cease at least one hour after sunset and requires hunters to keep a distance of at least 300 yards from homes.
Arrest and Charges
Following the incident, McDonald turned himself in on Wednesday after he saw reports of the shooting on television. He faced several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and criminal negligent use of a firearm, resulting both in death and severe bodily harm. He was also charged with night hunting
McDonald was taken into custody at the Dorchester County L.C. Knight Detention Center, where he was held until posting a bond of $400,000 on Thursday. He is scheduled to appear in court in December to answer the charges.
Community Reaction
The incident has rattled the local community, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of hunting regulations. Chief Deputy Sam Richardson emphasized the need for responsible firearm use, stating, “There’s just no excuse for anybody being careless with a firearm, and certainly perhaps someone paid a price with their life.”
Conclusion
This heartbreaking situation serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of adhering to hunting laws. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Lori Wind, while her husband fights for his life in the hospital.
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.
