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Bond set for Sumter teen involved in fatal shooting
Posted: 08.22.2010 at 5:23 PM
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19-year-old Ryelynn Sanders charged with possession of  involuntary manslaughter and possession of a stolen handgun. 
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SUMTER (WACH) -- Bond has been set for 19-year-old Ryelynn Sanders who was charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of stolen gun.

Investigators say Sanders shot and killed 16-year-old Demetrius Cousar.

According to officials, Sanders and a group of friends, including Cousar were partying Friday night. 

After grabbing a bite to eat, the group went to the Econo Lodge on North Washington Avenue in Sumter.  It was there, that Sanders was attempting to pull out a handgun from his pants pocket to place on the table.  As Sanders was trying to put the .9 millimeter handgun on the table, the gun went off and shot Cousar in the chest. 

Sanders immediately called 9-1-1 and Cousar was rushed to Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Cousar's family, shaken and emotional, attended Sander's bond hearing early Sunday morning. 

"My son is gone. My baby is gone and for the reason, I don't know," said the victim's father John Cousar.

Cousar's aunt could not hold back tears as she cried, "My nephew is dead, and he's still walking around."

Sanders appeared solemn and calm throughout the hearing.

Looking at Cousar's family, Sanders said, "We were best friends.  I didn't mean for this to happen."

The victim's family asked the judge to deny bond for Sanders.

Judge Lee Tindal, who presided over the hearing, appeared sympathetic to both families, and allowed each side an opportunity to speak before setting Sanders' bond. 

"I'm going to set his bond at $50,000 for both charges," Tindal said.  She also placed Sanders on house arrest.

Sanders said he will be staying at his mother's house. 

His mother also acknowledging her pain said, "If there's anything I can do to help y'all, I am willing to help."

Sanders' next court appearance is set for November.

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