On the evening of Friday, May 13, 2022, Tearra Guthrie Smalls, a 25-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot at the Reserve at Ashley River apartment complex in West Ashley, Charleston. Police arrived about 8:40 p.m. and found Ms. Smalls with a gunshot wound to the chest; emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the scene. The Charleston County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound.

Investigators identified a suspect known to the victim, 27-year-old Jerell T. Smalls. An affidavit states he was the father of Tearra’s child and that the shooting occurred in the child’s presence. Witnesses reported seeing Jerell Smalls at the scene; he was arrested shortly afterward and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. At a bond hearing the judge denied bond and he was held at the Al Cannon Detention Center.

If anyone knew Tearra or has information about what happened that night, please share what can help the investigation.