Greenville County Authorities Investigate Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting of 21-Year-Old Woman at Kmart Plaza; Incident Sparks Community Concern Amid Ongoing SLED Investigation
Early Saturday Morning Incident Claims the Life of Daziana Natasha Kian’te Lewis, 21
Authorities in Greenville County are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, November 25, 2024, leaving 21-year-old Daziana Natasha Kian’te Lewis dead. The incident, which transpired at Kmart Plaza, marks the sixth officer-involved shooting in Greenville County this year and has prompted a comprehensive inquiry by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The sequence of events began around 2:15 a.m. when Greenville County emergency dispatch received a 911 call reporting threats made by an individual at the Kmart Plaza on Laurens Road. Deputies from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) were dispatched to the scene in response to the report.
Initial Encounter and Escalation
Upon arrival, the responding deputy identified the subject of the 911 call as Lewis. According to preliminary reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Lewis and the deputy engaged in a verbal exchange that quickly escalated. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing raised voices during the confrontation.
Officials state that during this interaction, Lewis allegedly brandished a knife and issued verbal threats toward the deputy. According to GCSO, the situation intensified when the deputy perceived an immediate threat to their safety.
In an official statement, the Sheriff’s Office said, “The deputy took necessary action to protect themselves and others present. The decision to use deadly force is never made lightly and occurs only when there is no other option to prevent harm.”
Shots Fired and Medical Response
The deputy discharged their service weapon multiple times, striking Lewis. Bystanders at the plaza reported hearing gunshots and described the scene as chaotic, with people in the vicinity scrambling for cover.
Emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene. Lewis was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite life-saving efforts by medical staff, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office later confirmed her cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds. Coroner Park Evans officially ruled the death a homicide, which is a standard classification in deaths involving law enforcement shootings, pending further investigation.
SLED Investigation Underway
In adherence to protocol for officer-involved shootings, the case has been handed over to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The independent agency is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a thorough review of body camera footage, 911 call recordings, and eyewitness testimony.
SLED spokesperson Angela Rivers addressed the media on Saturday afternoon, stating, “We are committed to a meticulous and impartial investigation. This process includes forensic analysis, witness interviews, and a detailed reconstruction of the events leading up to the fatal shooting.”
As part of their investigation, SLED will analyze the deputy’s use of force, determine whether the actions complied with agency policies, and assess if any de-escalation tactics were employed. Body camera footage from the responding deputy is expected to play a critical role in clarifying the sequence of events.
Community Reactions and Public Concerns
The incident has reignited conversations about law enforcement’s use of deadly force, particularly in situations involving young individuals and those experiencing mental health crises. Community members gathered at the Kmart Plaza later in the day to hold a vigil in Lewis’s honor, calling for justice and transparency.
“I just want to know why it had to happen this way,” said Tammy Green, a family friend who attended the vigil. “Daziana was so young and had her whole life ahead of her. There has to be a better way to handle these situations.”
Local activists and advocacy groups have also raised questions about the circumstances of the shooting. The Greenville chapter of the NAACP released a statement demanding a thorough investigation and emphasizing the importance of accountability in officer-involved incidents.
Sheriff’s Office Responds
In a written statement, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Lewis’s family while reaffirming their commitment to transparency. “Our hearts go out to the family of Ms. Lewis during this difficult time,” the statement read. “We are fully cooperating with SLED to ensure that every aspect of this incident is investigated thoroughly.”
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave, a standard procedure following such incidents. Sheriff Hobart Clemmons addressed the media briefly, stating, “We understand the community’s concerns and will provide updates as the investigation allows. Our priority is ensuring the factsare presented clearly and accurately.”
Officer-Involved Shootings in Greenville County
This incident marks the sixth officer-involved shooting in Greenville County in 2024, highlighting a concerning trend that mirrors statewide statistics. SLED has reported an increase in such incidents across South Carolina in recent years, often citing mental health crises, domestic disturbances, and threats involving weapons as common contributing factors.
Data from the Justice Department suggests that encounters involving individuals armed with knives or other non-firearm weapons pose unique challenges for law enforcement, often requiring split-second decisions about the use of force. Critics argue that more investment in training for de-escalation and crisis intervention could reduce the frequency of fatal outcomes.
Family and Community Demand Answers
Lewis’s family has called for greater transparency in the investigation and urged SLED to release the body camera footage promptly. In a statement provided through their attorney, the family expressed their grief and disbelief. “Daziana was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. She deserved a chance to live, and we are devastated by her loss. We are committed to finding out what truly happened and ensuring that her death is not in vain.”
Community members have echoed these sentiments, with some planning to organize protests to demand justice and systemic changes in law enforcement practices.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As SLED’s investigation progresses, several key pieces of evidence will be scrutinized, including:
- Body Camera Footage: Critical for determining whether the use of force was justified and if any opportunities for de-escalation were missed.
- 911 Call Analysis: To understand the nature of the threat initially reported and whether it accurately reflected the events leading to the confrontation.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses at the scene could provide valuable context to corroborate or challenge the accounts provided by law enforcement.
- Forensic Evidence: Ballistics, trajectory analysis, and the examination of Lewis’s knife will help reconstruct the incident.
SLED has indicated that their investigation could take several weeks, after which findings will be presented to the local prosecutor’s office to determine if any charges are warranted.
Broader Implications and Calls for Reform
This tragic incident underscores broader discussions about law enforcement practices, particularly regarding encounters with armed individuals. Advocates for police reform have pointed to the need for expanded training in non-lethal force options, as well as increased collaboration with mental health professionals during crisis situations.
“The system needs to evolve to prevent unnecessary deaths,” said Dr. Melissa Jamison, a criminologist and advocate for policing reform. “Incidents like these reveal the gaps in training and resource allocation that ultimately cost lives.”
Conclusion
As Greenville County awaits further updates, the death of Daziana Natasha Kian’te Lewis serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in modern policing. The ongoing investigation by SLED will be critical in providing clarity, accountability, and, potentially, pathways for meaningful change in law enforcement practices. Meanwhile, Lewis’s family and community continue to mourn her loss and demand justice, ensuring her story remains at the forefront of public attention.
