Liz Moore, 17, Suspected in Carolina Forest Shooting; Authorities Search for Armed and Dangerous Suspect in Southgate Community – Obituary and Death of Two Injured Individuals
Carolina Forest, S.C. — A significant law enforcement operation is underway in the Southgate community near Hidden Creek Lane after a shooting incident left two individuals injured Thursday afternoon. The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) has identified 17-year-old Liz Moore as the suspect in the shooting, which has prompted heightened police response and concerns for the safety of local residents. Authorities have described Moore as a Black male wearing black sweatpants, a gray hoodie, and sporting dreadlocks, and they have warned the public that Moore is considered “armed and dangerous.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities have issued a warning for anyone who may have information about Moore’s whereabouts to come forward. The suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing. The two victims, whose identities have not been officially disclosed, sustained serious injuries but are expected to survive. The HCPD is working diligently to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, which appears to be an isolated incident, according to initial reports.
While police have already located those directly involved in the shooting, the search for Moore continues. A perimeter was established in the area immediately following the shooting, and a full-scale search ensued, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. As a precautionary measure, nearby Carolina Forest Elementary School and Creative Beginnings daycare briefly enacted lockdown procedures due to their proximity to the incident. These measures were swiftly lifted after it was determined that the threat had been contained and no further danger existed to the students or staff.
Residents in the Southgate community are urged to stay vigilant, as law enforcement continues to patrol the area and search for Moore. Local authorities have reassured the community that the situation remains under control, though a law enforcement presence will persist in the coming days. HCPD officials have also announced that they are increasing patrols throughout the neighborhood to provide additional security while the investigation unfolds.
The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight, has left the community shaken and residents are anxious for answers. The HCPD has appealed to the public for any information that may assist in locating the suspect. Those with knowledge of Moore’s whereabouts are urged to contact the Horry County Police Department immediately. Authorities have also established a tip line for anonymous tips, offering a sense of security for those reluctant to come forward publicly.
At the scene of the shooting, detectives were seen interviewing witnesses, while crime scene investigators worked to collect evidence. As of the latest updates, police have not provided specifics on the motive for the shooting or the nature of the relationship between Moore and the victims. As the investigation continues, more information will be made available to the public.
Local news reports indicate that the shooting is not believed to be connected to any larger criminal activity in the area, although investigators have not ruled out the possibility of gang involvement. The proximity of the shooting to residential homes and local schools has heightened concerns among the community, particularly about the safety of children and families in the area. Although the lockdowns were short-lived, they served as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks associated with gun violence.
Police officers and community leaders have encouraged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. In a statement, HCPD Chief Johnny Mack said, “We take incidents like this very seriously, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents. We will do everything in our power to bring the responsible parties to justice.”
The Victims’ Condition and Response
While the identities of the two individuals injured in the shooting have not been officially confirmed, it is believed that one victim sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital in a stable condition. The second victim, while also injured, is said to be in a less severe state and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel from local hospitals have been working closely with police to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care while also aiding the investigation with any relevant information they may have.
Although law enforcement officials have not yet released a full account of what led to the shooting, witness testimonies suggest a confrontation between the suspect and the victims prior to the gunfire. Multiple reports claim to have heard loud arguments moments before shots rang out, but the specifics of what transpired remain unclear.
Community’s Concerns and Law Enforcement Response
For the residents of Southgate, a tight-knit community where families, schools, and local businesses coexist, the shooting is an unnerving and tragic event. The normally peaceful area, known for its suburban charm and community-focused atmosphere, has been thrust into the spotlight of a criminal investigation that is far from over. This event has left many residents fearful, particularly parents of young children, who were left to question the safety of their homes and neighborhoods.
Carolina Forest Elementary School, just a short distance from the shooting site, has seen heightened concerns from parents in the aftermath. The school, which serves a large population of young children, initially went into lockdown mode to ensure that students remained safe while the situation was assessed. Principal Sheila Thomas reassured parents through a statement on social media that the lockdown was precautionary and was lifted as soon as it was safe. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students, and we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure that our community remains a safe place for everyone,” Thomas said.
Creative Beginnings daycare, also located near the scene, took similar precautionary measures to safeguard the children in their care. Parents, who had been informed of the lockdown by staff, expressed relief that no children were harmed, though many voiced concerns about the increasing frequency of violent incidents in their once-quiet neighborhood. The school and daycare have since resumed normal operations, but the events of Thursday afternoon have left a lasting impact on the families affected.
Increasing Law Enforcement Presence
The HCPD, which has been working in tandem with other local, state, and federal agencies, has pledged to continue its investigation and increase its presence in the area. Officers have canvassed the neighborhood, speaking with residents, reviewing security camera footage, and collecting forensic evidence from the crime scene. At the time of writing, HCPD officials stated that they were following several promising leads and hoped to make an arrest in the near future.
The local sheriff’s office, as well as agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), have joined the HCPD in their efforts to track down Moore. The collaboration of multiple agencies indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. The increased patrols in the area are meant to reassure the community while also assisting in the search for the fugitive.
In addition to the visible police presence, community leaders have called for stronger preventive measures to curb gun violence and increase public safety. Local residents have expressed frustration over the incident, demanding more robust responses to crime in the area. “This is the type of thing we never thought we’d see here,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “We need more done to protect our families. We can’t keep living in fear.”
The Search for Liz Moore
As the days have gone by since the shooting, Moore’s whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have expanded their search efforts across the region. In addition to traditional search methods, investigators are utilizing advanced technology, including surveillance and data analysis, to track down leads on Moore’s location. Authorities have also reached out to local media outlets to help disseminate information on the suspect’s description, hoping that someone in the community may have seen something suspicious or have information that could lead to Moore’s arrest.
Moore, who is still considered armed and dangerous, has become the focus of widespread public concern. Law enforcement officials have urged residents to be cautious and report any sightings or information immediately. Moore’s age and the nature of the incident have drawn attention, particularly given the growing concern over youth violence in many communities.
Looking Ahead
While the investigation continues and the search for Liz Moore intensifies, law enforcement remains committed to bringing those responsible for the shooting to justice. In the meantime, the Southgate community is left to grapple with the reality of a crime that has rocked their sense of security. As authorities work to resolve the situation, residents are urged to stay informed and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
