A custody exchange in Beaufort, South Carolina, turned deadly on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Three-year-old Ariana Skylar Fair was shot in the parking lot of the Cross Creek Apartments and later died at Beaufort Memorial Hospital; an autopsy ruled a gunshot wound the cause of death. First responders arrived shortly after 12:30 p.m. and found Ariana’s 26-year-old mother with serious injuries. A 25-year-old man with non-life-threatening injuries was also taken to a local hospital.

Investigators identified 27-year-old Jonathan Tyleke Fair, Ariana’s father, as the primary suspect. Warrants were issued charging him with murder, two counts of attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and additional counts including unlawful neglect of a child, aggravated breach of peace, a probation and parole violation, discharging a firearm as a prohibited person, and failing to render aid. After being sought by law enforcement, Fair turned himself in to the City of Beaufort Police on October 16, 2023, and was booked into the Beaufort County Jail.

If anyone witnessed the custody exchange or the shooting in the Cross Creek Apartments parking lot, or has information about the events leading up to October 1, please share what is known.