GIFFORD, S.C. — Sunday began like any other for many people in this quiet corner of Hampton County, until gunshots echoed through Laston Street just after dawn, leaving the community shaken. Around 5:17 a.m., deputies from the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire and found a scene that would change lives in an instant.
When law enforcement arrived, they discovered several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders immediately began rendering aid while officers worked to secure the area and gather information. Among the injured was 34-year-old Dequan Marquis Hill, a Gifford resident whose life would end on that street just steps from his home.
Hill was pronounced dead at the scene. His family, still reeling from the shock, was notified by the Hampton County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Anna Fields worked closely with his loved ones, offering support during the painful hours that followed. The loss of Hill has left friends and neighbors mourning a man many described as kind and familiar — someone they saw around town on a regular basis.
Two other people were also wounded in the early morning attack and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released updates on their conditions, and it remains unclear what led to the shooting. Investigators with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) have joined local deputies in piecing together what happened on Laston Street.
Officers from the Gifford Police Department were on the scene alongside county deputies as the investigation unfolded. So far, no suspects have been publicly identified, and law enforcement officials have not disclosed whether they believe this was a targeted incident or a random act of violence.
Sheriff Anthony Russell addressed the media and the community, acknowledging the heavy impact of the shooting. He expressed deep sympathy for Hill’s family and urged anyone with information to come forward. The sheriff’s office offered multiple ways for people to share tips, including a mobile app and an anonymous line.
Neighbors told reporters they woke to sirens and quickly learned something was terribly wrong. For many residents, the quiet of a Sunday morning was replaced with grief and unanswered questions. As the investigation continues, the community waits for clarity — and justice — after a night that shattered the calm of this small South Carolina town.
