North Charleston police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the December 16 shooting that claimed the life of a 4-year-old child on Van Buren Street, marking another significant development in a case that has shaken the local community.

Larry Jackson V, 19, faces multiple charges including murder and three counts of assault and battery, according to the North Charleston Police Department. The arrest comes nearly three weeks after the tragic incident that left a young child dead and has prompted increased police presence in the area.

The December 16 shooting occurred in broad daylight on Van Buren Street, a residential area that has seen its share of challenges but where families still call home. The 4-year-old victim became an innocent casualty in what investigators believe was a targeted attack involving multiple shooters.

“This arrest represents our continued commitment to bringing justice for this child and their family,” a North Charleston Police Department spokesperson said. “We will not rest until everyone responsible for this senseless act is held accountable.”

Jackson joins two previously arrested suspects whose identities and charges have not been fully disclosed by authorities. The multi-suspect nature of the case has required extensive coordination between North Charleston detectives and other law enforcement agencies, including forensic analysis of evidence collected from the scene.

The Van Buren Street shooting has highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence in North Charleston neighborhoods, particularly incidents that put children at risk. Local community leaders have called for increased intervention programs and enhanced police-community partnerships to address the root causes of such violence.

Investigators have not released details about the motive behind the shooting or whether the suspects knew each other prior to the incident. The specific circumstances that led to the 4-year-old’s death remain under investigation as police work to build their case against all three suspects.

The arrest comes during a period when Charleston-area law enforcement agencies have emphasized community safety initiatives. While much of the region’s attention often focuses on sports and local events, incidents like this remind residents that serious public safety challenges persist in certain neighborhoods.

North Charleston has implemented several community policing strategies in recent years aimed at reducing gun violence, particularly in areas where children are present. The December shooting has prompted renewed discussions about the effectiveness of these programs and whether additional resources are needed.

Jackson’s arrest warrant includes specific details about his alleged role in the shooting, though police have not disclosed whether he is accused of being the actual shooter or played a different role in the incident. The murder charge indicates prosecutors believe he bears significant responsibility for the child’s death.

The investigation has involved multiple law enforcement agencies working together to piece together the events of December 16. Witnesses in the area provided crucial information that helped identify the suspects, though some have expressed concerns about their safety following the arrests.

Community members have organized vigils and memorial services for the young victim, emphasizing the need for neighborhood healing and violence prevention. Local churches and community organizations have stepped up their outreach efforts in the Van Buren Street area, offering support services to families affected by the shooting.

The case has also drawn attention from Charleston County officials who have advocated for enhanced youth intervention programs designed to prevent young people from becoming involved in gun violence. The ages of the suspects - Jackson is 19 - underscore concerns about youth involvement in serious crimes.

North Charleston Police continue their investigation and have not ruled out additional arrests. The department has asked anyone with information about the December 16 shooting to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential to solving such cases.

The three suspects now in custody will face the judicial process as prosecutors prepare their cases. The murder charge carries significant penalties under South Carolina law, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations and the tragic loss of young life.

Family members of the 4-year-old victim have requested privacy during this difficult time, though they have expressed appreciation for the community support and law enforcement’s efforts to seek justice. The child’s death has resonated throughout the Charleston area, serving as a stark reminder of gun violence’s impact on innocent lives.

As the legal proceedings move forward, North Charleston officials plan to continue their focus on community safety initiatives and violence prevention programs. The Van Buren Street shooting has become a catalyst for broader discussions about protecting children and addressing the factors that contribute to gun violence in residential neighborhoods.

The investigation remains active as police work to ensure they have identified all individuals involved in the December 16 incident. Additional charges could be filed as investigators continue analyzing evidence and witness testimony from the case.