Man Identified in Fatal Batesburg-Leesville Shooting
BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. — A shooting in the early hours of Thursday has left one man dead, prompting an active investigation and renewed calls for community assistance.
According to the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Ash Street area around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, after multiple reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered a man lying near the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate efforts by police to provide aid, the victim tragically died at the scene.
Victim Identified
Later that afternoon, Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher identified the victim as 37-year-old Scottrell Juarez West, a resident of Monetta, South Carolina. Fisher confirmed that West suffered multiple gunshot wounds, which proved fatal.
Investigation Underway
The investigation into West’s killing remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released details about a possible motive, suspects, or the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Police have stressed that they are pursuing all available leads and reviewing evidence to piece together what transpired on Ash Street early Thursday morning.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is assisting Batesburg-Leesville officers in the case, bringing additional resources and investigative expertise.
Appeal to the Public
Officials are now urging anyone with information that could aid the investigation to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the incident are asked to contact the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department at 803-532-4408. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Even seemingly small pieces of information, authorities note, could help move the case forward.
Community Response and Safety
The deadly shooting has left many in Batesburg-Leesville shaken, as violent incidents of this nature are not common in the small town. Neighbors expressed sorrow for the victim’s family and frustration at the senselessness of gun violence.
Police have reassured residents that there is no evidence of an ongoing threat to the general public, though they continue to urge vigilance and cooperation in the investigation.
Remembering the Victim
Family and friends of Scottrell Juarez West are mourning his sudden and tragic death. West, only 37 years old, is remembered by loved ones as a man whose life ended far too soon. Plans for funeral arrangements and community memorials have not yet been publicly announced.
Moving Forward
As the investigation unfolds, Batesburg-Leesville authorities emphasize their commitment to justice for West and his family. With the help of the Sheriff’s Department and the community, investigators remain hopeful that answers will soon emerge in this case.
