One dead, two wounded after Friday night shooting in Bluffton

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - UPDATE: Bluffton Police tell WTOC there are two people in custody for the murder of D’won Fields, Jr.

One person has died and two were sent to the hospital after a late-night shooting on Friday between Bluffton Parkway and Hampton Parkway, according to the Bluffton Police Department.

Police arrived at the scene of a single-vehicle crash when they discovered the vehicle had been in a shooting. Bluffton Police believe this was an isolated incident, though they have not identified the vehicle(s) involved in the shooting. Bluffton Police Chief Stephenie Price says the public is not in danger.

D’won Fields, Jr., 18, a student at Bluffton High School, died on the scene. A 16-year-old remains in the hospital, while an 18-year-old has since been released, according to police.

D’won Fields, Jr. mostly known as DJ was not only a student-athlete at Bluffton High School, but many describe him as a kind, hard-working and caring young man.

”I’ve been crying all day,” said Bluffton High School Head Football Coach John Houpt. “He was like a son. I’ve known him pretty much his whole life. He such a high character kid. Cared about everybody loved everybody. Help everybody and was always there for teachers, students, coaches. He’s just an unbelievable person.”

Many people like his co-workers at Kilwins Bluffton describe him as a hard worker and a joy to be around.

”He was the life of the party,” said his classmate and co-worker, Carol. “He would make us laugh a lot. He would make working a lot of fun.”

His boss, Owner of Kilwins, Jake Higgins knew him for seven years.

“He would just help me with anything that you need help with and a great leader here in the store,” said. Higgins.

He says DJ was enrolled at Technical College of the Lowcountry and was interested in welding.

Higgins says the family is devastated by his murder.

”I told his mom this morning he was an angel here already,” said Higgins. “Kids will make mistakes but he was an angel already. He was just one person that you’ll never be able to replace – just senseless violence you won’t ever be able to replace somebody like this.”

Many in the Bluffton community are seeking justice for an irreplaceable young man, friend, classmate, teammate, son, and co worker.

Coach Houpt, players, and fellow classmates made this memorial for him in honor of his memory.

”When you see the lights come on, you see it it’s him, it’s him on that field,” said Houpt.

A vigil is planned for Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium at Bluffton High School.

The Bluffton Police are actively investigating this incident and ask that anyone with information call the Bluffton Police Department Crime Tip Line at (843) 706-4560.

This is a developing story. WTOC will provide updates as they become available.

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