Teenagers and a 20-year-old charged after SC woman was killed, police say
A South Carolina woman was recently killed and three young men, including two teenagers, have been charged with murder and more crimes, Newberry County officials said.
At about 3:15 p.m. Monday, Newberry Police Department officers responded to a call about a shooting in the 1800 block of Charles Street, police said in a news release. The officers found a victim who appeared to have been shot and it was determined that she died from her injuries, according to police.
Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece identified the victim as 25-year-old Newberry resident Breanna Bates, according to the release. An autopsy confirmed that Bates died as result of gunshot wounds, police said.
On Wednesday, police said three other Newberry residents were arrested in connection with the homicide. Keonte Montrez Caughman, 20, IJavion Cheek, 17, and IMaurion Lil’Travis Cheek, 19, were taken into custody, according to the release.
In addition to murder, Caughman as well as IJavion Cheek and IMaurion Lil’Travis Cheek each were charged with three counts of attempted murder and single counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, jail records show.
Bond was denied for each Cheek, according to jail records. Information about Caughman’s bond was not available, but he’s currently listed on the jail’s inmate roster.
There was no word about a motive for the shooting.
Despite the charges facing the trio, Police Chief Kevin Goodman said an investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be coming.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 803-321-1010, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
The homicide continues to be investigated by police, the coroner’s office and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 7:49 AM with the headline "Teenagers and a 20-year-old charged after SC woman was killed, police say."
