North Charleston Police arrested a second suspect Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of 4-year-old Merci Watch, who was killed December 16 on Van Buren Street.

The arrest brings the total number of suspects in custody to two, though police continue searching for a third suspect, 20-year-old Duane F. Wright, who remains wanted on murder charges.

Police have not released the name of the second suspect or details about the circumstances of the arrest. The first suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting occurred in the 4900 block of Van Buren Street around 7:30 p.m.

Watch was struck by gunfire while inside a residence. She was transported to Medical University of South Carolina where she was pronounced dead.

“This investigation remains our top priority,” said North Charleston Police spokesperson Harve Jacobs. “We will continue working around the clock until everyone responsible for this senseless tragedy is held accountable.”

The shooting marked the second child killed by gunfire in the Charleston area in 2024, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence affecting the region’s youngest residents. Local officials have repeatedly called for stronger measures to address weapons-related crimes, particularly those occurring in residential neighborhoods.

North Charleston Police classified the incident as a targeted shooting rather than a random act of violence. Investigators have not disclosed whether the suspects knew the victim or her family, or what may have motivated the attack.

The Van Buren Street area where the shooting occurred has seen increased police patrols since the incident. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots before emergency responders arrived at the scene.

Watch’s death prompted renewed discussions among Charleston area officials about resources dedicated to preventing gun violence in neighborhoods where children live and play. City Council members have previously debated funding for violence intervention programs, though no specific measures have been implemented.

Court records show Wright has previous arrests in Charleston County, though details of those charges were not immediately available. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has assisted in the manhunt for Wright, expanding the search beyond North Charleston city limits.

Police have asked residents to report any information about Wright’s whereabouts but warned against approaching him directly. Wright is considered armed and dangerous.

The investigation has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Forensic teams processed evidence from the Van Buren Street scene for several days following the shooting.

Funeral services for Watch were held December 23 at a North Charleston church, drawing hundreds of community members who called for an end to violence affecting children. Family members established a memorial fund to assist with expenses and support other families affected by gun violence.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said the city would continue supporting police efforts to apprehend Wright and prosecute all suspects involved in the case.

“No child should lose their life to senseless violence,” Summey said. “We owe it to Merci and her family to see that justice is served completely.”

The Charleston County Solicitor’s Office will prosecute the case once all suspects are in custody. Both suspects already arrested face charges including murder, unlawful carrying of a pistol, and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime.

Bond hearings for the two suspects in custody have not yet been scheduled. They are being held at the Charleston County Detention Center.

Anyone with information about Wright’s location is asked to contact North Charleston Police at 843-740-2800 or Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests.

The case remains under active investigation. Police said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.