Lori Wind dies in fatal Dorchester County shooting
Fatal Dorchester County shooting death of Lori Wind – Obituary
A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Lori Wind on a walking trail in Dorchester County, South Carolina. According to the arrest warrant, Kristofer Kelle McDonald claimed he believed he was shooting at deer when he fired his weapon.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 8:15 p.m., as Wind was walking on the Sawmill Branch Walking Trail with her husband. Both were shot, and Wind succumbed to her injuries approximately two hours after the incident. Her husband was also injured, but details about his condition remain undisclosed.
Chief Deputy Sam Richardson stated that deputies discovered a firearm linked to the shooting during their investigation. They identified McDonald as a suspect through information from a confidential source. He later surrendered to authorities and admitted to being in the vicinity at the time of the shooting.
The warrant indicated that McDonald was illegally hunting at night and mistook the sounds of rustling leaves for deer. He fired three to four rounds from a 20-gauge shotgun. Under state law, hunters must maintain a distance of at least 300 yards from residential areas to prevent harm to individuals nearby.
Richardson emphasized the need for caution when using firearms, especially regarding potential collateral damage. He did not disclose whether McDonald possessed a valid hunting license at the time of the shooting but clarified that the act of firing the gun and injuring others rendered his actions illegal.
McDonald faces multiple charges, including criminal negligent use of a firearm resulting in death, criminal negligent use of a firearm resulting in great bodily harm, and night hunting, as filed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, he has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.
During a bond hearing, a judge set McDonald’s bond at $400,000 and mandated that he refrain from any hunting activities while out on bond. Richardson urged residents to prioritize safety when outdoors at night, recommending the use of clear lighting and reflective materials for visibility.
Furthermore, he advised against using the trail after dark and mentioned plans to increase patrols in the area in collaboration with Summerville Police Chief Doug Wright.