George C Caldwell Obituary, Death;- A 17-year-old individual has been charged in relation to the fatal shooting of a man outside a retail establishment, as reported by the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety.
Authorities have identified Melachi Johnson, 17, as the individual charged with murder, possession of a handgun by a minor, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and attempted armed robbery. Officials have stated that Johnson will be prosecuted as an adult. The incident occurred on February 7, outside the Dodges Gas Station located on the 1800 block of Old Edisto Drive.
Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle has confirmed that the victim of the shooting was George C. Caldwell, 48, from Bamberg. According to the arrest warrant, Johnson approached Caldwell, brandished a firearm, and attempted to search his pockets. Caldwell reportedly resisted by pushing Johnson away, at which point he was shot in the upper body.
The event was recorded by security cameras, and Johnson was subsequently identified through both video footage and witness accounts. Authorities have indicated that bond was denied in magistrate court. A bond hearing with a circuit court judge is set to take place on April 16 at 9 a.m.
