Arrests in Cordova Fatal Shooting

5/8/2012 - Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announces 3 men are in custody and a teen is dead after the attempted robbery of a drug dealer.

Ravenell explains "A Field Services Deputy was on routine patrol along Courtney Lane, Cordova at 11:55 p.m. when she heard gunshots. The Deputy Sheriff was then flagged down by a man stating that his friend had been shot. That individual said that he and two of his friends were walking from a gas station when a white vehicle began following them. He continued by saying that he heard several shots, saw the car take off, and looked back to see his friend had collapsed to the ground.

Our investigation indicates those initial statements by brothers Jerrell Richardson and John Riley were false. Richardson and Riley changed their stories. Richardson and Riley have signed statements that they along with the victim planned all day Monday, May 7 "to rob a drug dealer." Richardson and Riley told us they contacted Calvin Busby. When officers responded to Busbys home, he showed us the narcotics in his bedroom. He was taken into custody.

Over the past two days, our agency has responded to two major incidents involving teens. Children and young adults need to be aware that their actions can produce serious criminal charges and sometimes even fatal consequences, and no family should have to go through that. To the parents, I need your help and commitment to monitor your children, to know what they are doing and with who to help prevent some of the crimes our officers are investigating involving school age students. School Resources Officers are in every school district and our officers are always participating or hosting community events to reach students and young adults. Parents should use all of those opportunities to positively impact their child's life. When a criminal act is committed, we will do our jobs regardless of the age of the suspect.

To the officers that have been working extended hours on both cases to sort out false statements and make arrests, I applaud your efforts and commitment to maintain peace and order in this county."