Police were called to the scene after reports of a shooting at 4:45 p.m.
“Dr. Robert Lesslie and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, were found at home and died as a result of gunshot wounds, as well as their two grandchildren. James Lewis of Gastonia, worked at home and died in cause of gunshot wounds, ”the sheriff’s office said.
During the post-shooting press conference, Faris said he has lived in the area all his life and that “Dr. Lesslie was my great doctor.”
“Dr. Lesslie has been one of those people everyone knows. He started Riverview Medical Center in Rock Hill and has been a staple at Rock Hill for years,” Faris said.
In addition to the five people killed, another person was taken to hospital with “serious gunshot wounds,” said Faris, who described the incident as a mass shooting.
“This is a very tragic and tragic situation and the family is asking you to respect their privacy during this time,” Faris said.
As for the suspect, Faris said, “We have found the person we believe is responsible and we are with him right now.”
“That’s all I can say about this suspect,” the spokesman added.
When asked if the suspect was a neighbor, Faris said, “He lives on the same road.”
“There is no active threat to the community,” the sheriff’s office said. “Detectives are still in the area with a search warrant and are investigating this tragic event.”