The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has charged a Bamberg County man in connection with a June 8 shooting in Denmark that left two people dead and another wounded.
According to SLED, Sacarias Jamel Dupree, 21, was charged June 11 with murder, attempted murder, attempted armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Dupree was booked into the Bamberg County Detention Center.
Arrest warrants allege Dupree entered a residence on Mimosa Street in Denmark on June 8 with the intent of purchasing drugs from Jayviere Cortez Anderson. During the transaction, investigators say Dupree and his deceased associate, Joshua Weatherspoon, attempted to rob Anderson at gunpoint.
According to affidavits filed by SLED, gunfire was exchanged during the attempted robbery. Investigators say the shooting resulted in the deaths of Anderson and Weatherspoon.
SLED also charged Dupree with attempted murder in connection with a second victim who was inside the residence. According to investigators, the surviving victim attempted to flee when gunfire erupted and was shot in the back of the head.
Authorities said Dupree fled the scene and was later found at a Dollar General store suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Investigators said they were able to follow a blood trail from the shooting scene to the store.
According to the affidavits, agents recovered a Glock .40 caliber handgun near where Dupree was located. Investigators said the weapon was consistent with .40 caliber shell casings found at the scene. A surviving victim also described the suspect as wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans, which investigators said matched the clothing Dupree was wearing when he was located.
The possession of a weapon during a violent crime charge stems from the same alleged attempted robbery and shooting, according to the warrants.
SLED announced the charges Monday and said the investigation remains under the agency’s jurisdiction.
The case will be prosecuted by the 2nd Circuit Solicitor’s Office.