Aiken County authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of the heartbreaking shooting death of 10-year-old Lavinia Lowe, a young girl from Beech Island who was fatally shot while sleeping in her bed last month. The arrest of five suspects connected to the shooting marks a critical step toward justice for Lavinia and her grieving family.
The Incident
The tragic event unfolded late on the night of July 31, 2025, around 11:49 p.m., when deputies from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire at a home on the 100 block of Dorsett Kenzie Road. Upon arrival, they found Lavinia Lowe inside the residence with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite the deputies’ immediate efforts to provide lifesaving measures and the rapid arrival of EMS, Lavinia was pronounced dead at the scene around 1:30 a.m., according to Coroner Darryl Ables.
Investigators believe that the gunfire originated from outside the home, tragically striking Lavinia while she slept peacefully in her bed.
Arrests and Charges
In a press conference held on Thursday morning, Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer disclosed the arrest of five individuals linked to the shooting, which he described as a callous act of retaliation connected to local gang activity.
The suspects targeted Lavinia’s home due to a previous shooting that occurred on June 22, but the intended target had not lived in the house for over a year and a half. Sheriff Sawyer harshly condemned the attack, stating, “These gang-banging cowards fired into the residence where a 10-year-old girl slept in her bed, killing her for retaliation for [another] shooting. They attacked a house full of innocent people.”
Among those charged are:
- Tramain Wilson, 18, of Jackson, charged with murder and criminal conspiracy.
- Brandon Pollard, 17, of Augusta, charged with murder.
- Ri’dauris Blocker, 18, of Edgefield, charged with criminal conspiracy.
The names of the remaining two suspects were expected to be released later that day, and authorities continue to seek a sixth individual believed to be involved.
The Victim: Lavinia Lowe
Lavinia Lowe was a vibrant and beloved child, remembered by family and friends as a joyful and spirited young girl who had a passion for dance and an infectious energy that brightened any room she entered. A rising fifth grader at Redcliffe Elementary School, she was cherished deeply by her family and the community.
She is survived by her parents, Zachary and Tambala Lowe, and her siblings Ja’Mya Sims, Avah Lowe, and Zachary Dante Lowe Jr. Lavinia also leaves behind a large extended family who treasured her presence and mourn the profound loss.
Community Impact and Reaction
Sheriff Marty Sawyer expressed the deep anguish felt throughout the community, saying, “Any murder is unacceptable, but the murder of an innocent child is the most depraved act possible. These families and this community should not have to endure acts like this.”
Funeral services for Lavinia were held earlier in Grovetown, where family, friends, and community members gathered to honor and celebrate her life. The family remembers her as a loving and spirited child whose light touched everyone she met, a memory that will forever remain in their hearts.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing all responsible parties to justice. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office continues to pursue leads and calls for community cooperation in ending the cycle of violence.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office or submit tips anonymously to local crime stoppers.
About the Author
Greg Rickabaugh is an award-winning crime reporter covering the Augusta-Aiken area. With years of experience writing for The Augusta Chronicle and serving as publisher of The Jail Report, Rickabaugh is well known for his insightful crime coverage. He also owns AugustaCrime.com and has appeared on several Investigation Discovery crime documentaries. He holds a degree from the University of South Carolina and is a family man with two daughters.
The tragic loss of Lavinia Lowe has left an indelible mark on the community, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gang violence. As the investigation continues, the community’s hope for justice and healing remains steadfast.
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