BEECH ISLAND, S.C. — A devastating tragedy has struck the Aiken County community after a 10-year-old girl was fatally shot late Wednesday night at a residence in Beech Island. Authorities have identified the young victim as Lavinia Lowe, whose life was cut tragically short under circumstances that remain unclear.
According to Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables, the incident took place shortly before midnight at a home in the 100 block of Dorsett Kenzie Road, located near Church Road off Pine Log Road. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following a call reporting a child had been shot.
When first responders arrived at the residence, they discovered Lavinia Lowe unresponsive, lying on a bed inside the home. She had suffered a single gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the shooting was accidental, self-inflicted, or involved another person. Additionally, no information has been released about who was present in the home at the time of the incident, further deepening the mystery and heartbreak surrounding Lavinia’s death.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, working closely with the Aiken County Coroner’s Office. As part of the ongoing inquiry, an autopsy has been scheduled at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab in Atlanta, where forensic experts will aim to provide critical insight into the nature and cause of the shooting.
As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to name any persons of interest. Officials are urging members of the public who may have information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
“This is an incredibly tragic situation,” said a spokesperson for the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. “Our deepest condolences are with Lavinia’s family. We are committed to uncovering exactly what happened and ensuring a thorough investigation is carried out.”
The loss of Lavinia Lowe has left the Beech Island community shaken and in mourning. Neighbors, classmates, and teachers are reeling from the news, and many have described the 10-year-old as a joyful, kind-hearted child with a bright future ahead of her.
“She was full of life,” said one neighbor. “Always playing, always smiling. This is just devastating.”
In the coming days, grief counselors are expected to be made available to Lavinia’s school community, and local faith leaders are organizing a candlelight vigil in her memory.
As investigators work tirelessly to bring clarity to this heartbreaking case, the community is left searching for answers, justice, and healing after the unimaginable loss of a child.
Victim: Lavinia Lowe, 10, of Beech Island, SC
Incident Location: 100 block of Dorsett Kenzie Road, Beech Island
Date/Time: Late Wednesday night, June 25, 2025
Cause of Death: Single gunshot wound
Declared Dead at the Scene
Investigation: Ongoing, led by Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and Aiken County Coroner’s Office
Autopsy Scheduled at: GBI Crime Lab, Atlanta
No Arrests Reported as of Thursday Afternoon
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 648-6811 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of the Midlands.
