Khanesia Sincere Comder was an 18-year-old from Sumter, South Carolina, remembered by family and friends as smart, beautiful and caring, with dreams of becoming a cook, a kindergarten teacher or serving her country. She was born June 28, 2006, and described as having a huge heart and always willing to give to others.

On August 23, 2024, Khanesia and her 16-year-old half-brother, Ny’heem Burgess, were at the Palmetto Inn on North Washington Street when a firearm was mishandled, leaving both teenagers critically injured. Khanesia died at Prisma Health Tuomey on August 27, 2024; her brother died the next day at Prisma Health Richland. The Sumter Police Department investigated and the coroner’s office characterized the shootings as accidental; authorities did not make any arrests or identify suspects.

A viewing for both siblings was held September 6, 2024, with a celebration of life on September 7 at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church and burial at Bradford Cemetery. If anyone was at the Palmetto Inn that day or has information about the incident, please share what is known.