SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – An 80-year-old South Carolina man is facing two counts of murder after authorities say he fatally shot his wife and an 11-year-old girl in a shocking act of violence late Wednesday night.
The suspect, Reuben Arthur Leonard, was arrested after he allegedly stormed a residence on Floyd Drive with an assault rifle and opened fire on a household of about 10 people, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Deputies responded to the home around 10:30 p.m., where they found Leonard restrained by family members. Inside, 11-year-old Ashly McFarland was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound. The Sumter County Coroner’s Office confirmed she died instantly.
According to Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner, Leonard was upset with the Floyd Drive residents for conducting backyard target practice — a legal activity under local ordinances. Leonard’s own home on Saltwood Road was just 100 yards away. Officials say he walked through the woods and entered the house with a weapon before firing.
The sheriff’s office confirmed Leonard had previously filed complaints against the family and was charged with breach of peace earlier in the week for an altercation at the same residence.
In a shocking development during his arrest, Leonard confessed to murdering his 76-year-old wife at their home. Sumter Police responded to the Saltwood Road residence and found her dead in the garage from an apparent gunshot wound.
Authorities said Leonard has no signs of dementia or mental illness, and a motive for his wife’s murder has not yet been determined.
He is currently being treated at a local hospital for undisclosed injuries. Once released, he will be transferred to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
“This is a horrific incident, and our investigators are working diligently to uncover all the details,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis during a press briefing.
