ANDERSON, S.C. — What began as a tranquil Saturday evening turned into heartbreak for a close-knit community when gunfire erupted near West Franklin and Murray Avenue shortly before midnight. In that moment, three people lost their lives, and a once-peaceful neighborhood will never be the same.
According to the Anderson Police Department, officers were dispatched following multiple 911 reports of gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, they found two victims already dead and a third critically wounded. That third person was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save them, they later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the fatal tally to three.
One of the victims has been identified as Calvin Chester Jr. His family and friends are grappling with the shock and sense of loss. In heartfelt tributes circulating online, loved ones recalled him as a warm, generous spirit — the kind of person always ready to lend a hand. One relative wrote simply, “He had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back.” The void left behind is already being felt deeply.
Neighbors say the night was pierced by a volley of gunshots, followed by the sound of screeching tires as whoever was responsible fled the scene. In the darkness, startled residents rushed to safety. When police arrived, they cordoned off the block, collected evidence, and questioned witnesses well into the early hours. Shell casings were found along the road, though officials have not confirmed what type of firearm was used.
As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and no clear motive has been established. Detectives say they are following multiple leads and are urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to step forward. A police spokesperson described the incident as a “senseless act of violence that has devastated families and shaken our community,” pledging relentless pursuit of justice.
In the aftermath, the Anderson community is beginning to heal, coming together in candlelit vigils and quiet remembrance. While grief hangs heavy in the air, many are choosing to remember Calvin not for how he died, but for who he was: kind, selfless, and beloved by many. As investigators work tirelessly, neighbors wait, share condolences, and hope for answers—and closure.