3 arrested in deadly shooting at West Ashley apartment complex

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Three people have been arrested in connection to a deadly shooting that happened last weekend at the Palmilla Apartments in West Ashley.

Officers responded to the complex just before 1 a.m. on May 18 after hearing gunfire while they were patrolling the area nearby, according to the Charleston Police Department.

When they located the area with gunfire, they found three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. All three were taken to a nearby hospital, where one of the victims died from their injuries.

Investigators discovered the shooting occurred during an altercation that happened inside the apartment complex. One of the individuals who was shot was 34-year-old Lucas Ward.

Ward has been arrested and charged in connection to the shooting, police said.

Ward is charged with murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and unlawful carrying of a gun.

A’Mariona Simmons, 19, of Charleston, is charged with accessory after the fact of murder and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws.

Mario Simmons, 39, of Charleston, is charged with conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws.

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.