BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A single mother of four is recovering in the hospital after being shot three times while trying to protect her children during the chaotic shooting inside a Publix grocery store in Cane Bay, according to family friends and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Kelly, whose last name has not been publicly released, was identified in a GoFundMe campaign as one of the innocent bystanders caught in the gunfire when shots erupted inside the busy grocery store on May 7. Organizers of the fundraiser said Kelly’s “first instinct was protecting her children” after the shooting began.
‘Her first instinct was protecting her children’
According to the fundraiser, Kelly managed to get all four of her children safely out of the store and to another location before seeking medical attention for herself. She was later hospitalized and underwent surgery on her arm and leg. Friends say she now faces additional surgeries and a lengthy recovery.
A May 9 update posted to the campaign said Kelly experienced complications overnight that required a blood transfusion and increased pain management. Repeat imaging reportedly revealed another bullet lodged in her leg, which may require further surgery.
“Even through all of this, Kelly’s spirits remain high,” organizers wrote. “Her strength, resilience, and love for her children continue to shine through every step of this journey.”
READ MORE l Three Juveniles Charged After Targeted Shooting Inside Cane Bay Publix
Fundraiser launched to help with medical bills and expenses
Friends and supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Kelly Recover and Support Her Children” to help cover mounting medical expenses, household bills, and provide stability for her children while she is unable to work.
Campaign organizers described Kelly as a devoted mother and the sole provider for her family. The fundraiser is seeking to raise $40,000, with nearly $23,000 raised as of Friday afternoon.
Those wishing to donate can visit the GoFundMe page by searching “Help Kelly Recover and Support Her Children” on GoFundMe.
Investigators say shooting was targeted
Authorities said the violence stemmed from a targeted shooting inside the Publix store, located in one of Berkeley County’s fastest-growing communities.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to the store just before 9 p.m. after reports of shots fired with unknown victims. Investigators said 17-year-old Antwan Green entered the store with two other juveniles and confronted an intended target before allegedly opening fire.
Investigators said the intended victim ran through the store while trying to escape the gunfire. During the shooting, Kelly and a Publix employee working in the self-checkout area were struck by bullets.
Deputies said the first responding units arrived within one minute of being dispatched.
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Three juveniles charged following manhunt
After the shooting, investigators said Green and another suspect fled toward the back of Cane Bay near Black Tom Road, while a third suspect attempted to secure a ride at a nearby gas station. Authorities said a witness refused to drive the teen, instead ordering him an Uber and later providing investigators with information that helped lead to an arrest.
Green was later located by K-9 teams while allegedly fleeing through the neighborhood, according to investigators.
Sheriff Duane Lewis condemned the violence and raised concerns about increasing juvenile crime.
“This was a senseless act of violence that placed innocent families, children, and workers directly in harm’s way,” Lewis said in a statement. “Residents should never have to experience this kind of chaos while simply shopping for groceries.”
Green, who is being charged as an adult, faces three counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He is being held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
The two other suspects, both 16 years old, are charged with accessory after the fact of a felony and were transported to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
The shooting remains under investigation.
