Thirteen-year-old Akeem Pugh, a seventh grader at Chestnut Oaks Middle School, was shot on Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Sumter, South Carolina. Officers were called about a shooting at a Flamingo Road residence around 12:08 p.m.; they found Akeem wounded beside a car outside the home and provided aid until emergency personnel arrived. He was taken to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The Sumter School District activated its Crisis Support Team and made guidance counselors available following his death. Investigators identified and arrested two minors in connection with the case: a 12-year-old who was with Akeem and was charged with involuntary manslaughter, and a 17-year-old charged with accessory before the fact. Their names have not been released because of their ages. An autopsy was scheduled as the Sumter Police Department continued its investigation.

If anyone knew Akeem or has information about what happened on Flamingo Road that afternoon, please come forward to help the investigation.