Docs: Suspect killed woman while illegally deer hunting on Summerville trail

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the suspect charged in a deadly Summerville trail shooting.

Kristopher Kelle McDonald, 20, was arrested and charged with Assualt and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, and Involuntary Manslaughter.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which is assisting with the investigation, has issued warrants for additional charges. These include criminal negligent use of a firearm resulting in death, criminal negligent use of a firearm resulting in great bodily harm, and night hunting.

According to the arrest warrant from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, McDonald was criminally negligent while illegally hunting for deer Tuesday night at the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail in Summerville.

The document states he fired three to four rounds from his 20-gauge shotgun at what he believed was a deer when he heard leaves and tree branches moving near the canal.

Dorchester EMS located two individuals upon arrival, a female and a male suffering from gunshot wound injuries. The female was pronounced deceased at the scene and the male was taken to the hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office identified Lori Wind, 54, of Summerville as the victim shot to death on the trail as she was walking with her husband and dog.

Deputies say McDonald saw the incident on the news the next morning and turned himself in at the Sheriff’s Office where he confessed to night hunting for deer.

Mcdonald is currently in custody at the Dorchester County L.C. Knight Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Dorchester County Coroner’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the Summerville Police Department are investigating.