Crime & Safety
Florence County, SC Murder Arrest: Teen Charged in Fatal Shooting
OLANTA, SC — A 17 year old has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly shooting in Florence County that left a 40 year old woman dead and another person injured. Investigators allege
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-17T11:29:40.376Z
OLANTA, SC — A 17 year old has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly shooting in Florence County that left a 40 year old woman dead and another person injured. Investigators allege the teenager repeatedly fired a gun into a moving vehicle along Woods Bay Road, intending to kill its occupants.
According to the Florence County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting involving an injured victim on Woods Bay Road in Olanta on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Investigators subsequently identified Tracey Bernard Benjamin Jr., 17, of Olanta, as a suspect in the shooting. He was arrested Friday, Oct. 16, and charged with murder under South Carolina Code Section 16 03 010.
Woman Killed, Driver Injured in Shooting
Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken identified the deceased victim as Sasha Singletary, 40, of Lake City, South Carolina.
Authorities confirmed that the male driver of the vehicle was also injured during the incident. The sheriff's office did not release his identity, describe the severity of his injuries or provide an update on his condition.
According to investigators, Benjamin allegedly fired multiple rounds into the moving vehicle with the intent to kill the occupants.
Officials have not publicly disclosed what led to the confrontation, whether the suspect and victims knew one another or what investigators believe motivated the shooting.
Teenager Arrested as Homicide Investigation Continues
The Florence County Sheriff's Office announced Benjamin's arrest in a press release issued Friday, Oct. 16.
Authorities said Benjamin would be held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.
Investigators also indicated that additional criminal charges are possible as the homicide investigation continues.
The sheriff's office has not announced any additional arrests connected to the shooting.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Benjamin have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.