A Chester, South Carolina teen was killed in a drive-by shooting on the evening of May 3, 2026. Sixteen-year-old Avery O’Brien West was fatally shot on Pinckney Street at about 8:30 p.m.; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people were targeted that night: a 17-year-old was struck in the back and taken to a hospital, and a third person was not hit.

Avery was described as an energetic young man who played baseball, attended Hawthorne Christian Academy before moving to Chester High School, and enjoyed helping his father with home remodeling, hunting, fishing, and climbing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division took over the investigation from the Chester Police Department, assisted by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Arrest warrants allege that shots were fired from a 2014 Ford Focus; surveillance, witness statements and a co-defendant’s statement were cited in identifying suspects.

Within days, two men were charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder, and a woman was charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Bond was denied for all three and the 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute; SLED’s investigation remains active. The motive has not been released. If anyone knew Avery or saw activity on Pinckney Street that night, please come forward with information.