SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Sumter County deputies continue their search for 44-year-old Troy Wells, who they say shot and killed a pregnant woman over the weekend.
Investigators say the shooting took place at the Royal Inn on the 1700 block of Main Street Saturday. One of the victims was 33-year-old Jennifer Cruz, who was 35 weeks pregnant. Cruz died from her wounds, but doctors were able to remove her baby and deliver the child. The baby is in critical condition.
Another person was also shot but so far has not been identified. The sheriff said the shooter and victims knew each other.
“I think they were all familiar with each other and we know that Wells and Cruz had a relationship at the time,” Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said.
Since news of the shooting was made public Sumter deputies have been getting leads on Well’s whereabouts.
“Well we’ve a matter of fact have been communicating today and we’ve received some leads, we’ve received some leads. We’ve checked several areas and several residents another location so far we haven’t been able to apprehend him and the search continues,” Dennis said.
Sumter resident Diore Williams said she met Cruz before. She said the news of the shooting was hard to deal with when she heard about it.
“That’s crazy cause she was pregnant so it’s like he knew, not only did he try to put her at harm he tried to kill her baby too,” Williams said.
Sumter deputies say if you see Wells to call 911 immediately as he is considered armed and dangerous.