ORANGEBURG, SC (WACH) - Three individuals arrested after a botched drug deal that resulted in the deadly shooting of a teenager appeared in bond court Wednesday.
According to the Orangeburg Sheriff's Office, 17-year-old Jerrell Richardson, 20-year-old John Riley, and 26-year-old Calvin Busby were arrested Monday night in Cordova. Richardson, Riley, and the deceased 14-year-old victim planned to rob a drug dealer. Busby was contacted and agreed to meet with the trio. After Busby arrived, Richardson, Riley, and the deceased victim attempted to rob him. Busby and the would-be robbers exchanged gunfire and the 14-year-old victim was struck.
Bond was set at $25,000 for Busby who was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 23.
Riley was charged with attempted armed robbery. His bond was also set at $25,000.
Richardson's bond was set at $50,000. He was charged with attempted armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. According to the sheriff's office, Richardson knowingly and willingly pointed and presented the weapon to Busby and demanded drugs, which caused an exchange of gunfire.
The sheriff's office says Richardson and Riley have signed written confessions.
The Orangeburg County Coroner identified the victim in the shooting as Terek Wright. Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said the boy was carrying a rifle when he was killed just before midnight Monday on Courtney Lane.
The boy's 15-year-old cousin says the eighth-grader had recently been thrown out of school but was a "good kid" who was looking to make a fresh start at an alternative school.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH