10-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot in Beech Island Home; Community Grieves as Investigation Intensifies
BEECH ISLAND, SC — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community of Beech Island after a 10-year-old girl was killed in a late-night shooting that has left local residents stunned and grieving.
On Wednesday night, June 25, 2025, at approximately 11:49 p.m., deputies with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call reporting a shooting at a residence in the 100 block of Dorsett-Kenzie Road. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers were met with a devastating discovery that would send shockwaves through the quiet South Carolina community.
Inside the home, deputies located 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. According to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, Lavinia was found lying on her bed, unresponsive and critically wounded. Despite efforts by first responders, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy for Lavinia next week in Newberry to further assist in the investigation.
Authorities have not yet released details on how the shooting occurred or whether the home was specifically targeted. Investigators are working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to this senseless act of violence.
In a statement delivered Thursday, Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer expressed deep sorrow and condemnation of the violence that took Lavinia’s life. “Any murder is unacceptable,” Sawyer said. “But the murder of an innocent child is the most depraved act possible. These families and this community should not have to endure acts like this.”
Sheriff Sawyer added that the sheriff’s office is dedicating all available resources to this investigation, as well as to a separate homicide case that occurred over the weekend. In his statement, he confirmed that help has been requested from other local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a comprehensive and urgent pursuit of justice.
“The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has all its resources focused on this murder,” he said. “We will not rest until we find those responsible.”
As the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office is calling on the public to assist in providing any information that may lead to an arrest or further understanding of what transpired. Tipsters are urged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office directly at 803-642-1761.
The tragic death of Lavinia Lowe has cast a pall over Beech Island—a small, tight-knit community now grappling with the horror of losing one of its youngest members to violence. Vigils and expressions of sympathy have already begun pouring in from neighbors, community leaders, and local schools.
“We are heartbroken,” said one local resident. “She was just a little girl, full of life. This kind of thing should never happen—especially not here.”
As loved ones prepare to lay Lavinia to rest, the community mourns not just the loss of a young life, but the innocence stolen in the blink of an eye. In the wake of this unspeakable tragedy, Aiken County stands united in grief and in its resolve to seek justice for a little girl who deserved so much more.
