A tragic shooting incident at the Laurel Hill Food Mart on Sunday night claimed the life of 55-year-old Allen Dean McKenzie from Laurinburg, according to the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office. The incident unfolded just before midnight when deputies were alerted about a potential shooting at the food mart, located on Morgan Street.
As deputies made their way to the scene, they received another call reporting that a person had been shot on Pate Street in Laurel Hill. Upon arriving at Pate Street, officers discovered McKenzie lying near his truck with a gunshot wound. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.
The sheriff’s office later confirmed that deputies had identified a potential suspect at the Laurel Hill Food Mart, though no further details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the shooting were immediately provided. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the tragic incident.
The loss of Allen Dean McKenzie has left the Laurel Hill and Laurinburg communities in shock and mourning. Friends and family are remembering him as a beloved member of the community, and the incident has raised concerns about gun violence in the area.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to assist in the investigation. Community cooperation is crucial in helping law enforcement bring those responsible to justice and provide closure to McKenzie’s family.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Allen Dean McKenzie during this incredibly difficult time. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. This tragic event underscores the importance of community collaboration to prevent violence and ensure justice for victims.