James Edwards Person

Steven Dewayne Simmons

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Barnwell police are seeking the public's help in apprehending the suspects of three recent shootings.
James Edwards Person and Steven Dewayne Simmons are wanted in connection to the Jan. 29 shooting in the parking lot of JimBo's convenience store on Dunbarton Blvd., Barnwell, which sent one man to an area hospital. They are being charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, said Barnwell Police Chief Todd Gantt.
Person, 45, of 8590 Patterson Mill Rd., Martin, is described as a 5-foot-9-inch black male, weighing 190 pounds. Simmons, 29, of 12 Carroll St., Blackville, is described as a 5-foot-7-inch black male, weighing 145 pounds, said Chief Gantt.
He said Person and Simmons "should be considered armed and dangerous."
The victim, whose name has not been released, is in "stable condition" at the hospital, he said.
The shooting was the first of three shootings within about two days.
The second shooting happened a few hours later in the parking lot of Little Howie's restaurant on Marlboro Ave., Barnwell, and left Avensta Z. Conner, 30, of Barnwell, dead. Barnwell County Coroner Lloyd Ward said Conner died of a gunshot wound to his chest.
The S.C. State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting, but no suspects have been named at this time.
The most recent shooting occurred the evening of Jan. 31 at Ramblewood Mobile Home Park, off Dunbarton Blvd., Barnwell.
Chief Gantt said the victim, who was inside his home, was shot after a vehicle drove up to his home. He said the victim is in "stable condition" at an area hospital, but no arrests have been made yet.
Anyone with information on these shootings, including the location of Person and Simmons, should call the Barnwell Police Department at (803) 259-1838 or dial 911.