Tragic Shooting Incident Shakes Greenville Community
GREENVILLE — A shocking event has left the local community grappling with the aftermath of a shooting that claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman. Daziana Natasha Kian’te Lewis was shot by sheriff’s deputies early Sunday morning, marking a heartbreaking turn of events for her family and friends, as well as a notable surge in law enforcement-related fatalities in the state this year.
The incident unfolded around 2:15 a.m. on November 23 after deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a woman “making threats to harm others” at a Food Lion plaza off West Faris Road, not far from downtown Greenville. In a twist in this tragic storyline, Lewis’s father, Jeff Lewis, claims it was actually his daughter who made that call, seeking help during a moment of distress.
Details Surrounding the Shooting
According to sources, after arriving on the scene, deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation by using various methods, including verbal communication. Sheriff Hobart Lewis, who is not related to Daziana, explained during an interview that officers used “every tool they had available.” However, things took a dangerous turn when Daziana allegedly pulled out a knife.
In a matter of minutes, several deputies were forced to open fire, striking Daziana. She was rushed to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries just 17 minutes following the arrival of law enforcement at 2:37 a.m. She was pronounced dead shortly after—at 2:54 a.m.
Community Reactions
The news of Daziana’s death has caused an outpouring of grief and anger from the community, especially from her father. Jeff Lewis took to social media with a heartfelt message saying, “I know in my heart this shooting was not justified. My daughter called 911 for help and this is how they responded.” This statement raises critical questions about the actions taken by deputies, with many residents echoing concerns over the handling of such sensitive situations.
As of now, it’s uncertain how the dispatcher managed the call or the specific circumstances that led to the tragic outcome. Sheriff Hobart Lewis has acknowledged rising concerns within the sheriff’s office about the increasing number of incidents involving deputy-involved shootings. So far this year, Lewis’s department has recorded six shooting incidents, making it the deadliest year since 2010.
Impact on Law Enforcement
When asked about his thoughts on the rising trend of shootings, Sheriff Hobart Lewis expressed his worries for the safety of his deputies, stating, “There’s not a night that goes by that I don’t worry about one of Greenville County sheriff’s deputies getting hurt.” With tensions escalating, it’s clear the department is under significant pressure to perform in high-stress situations while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
Body Camera Footage to be Released
For those looking for answers, the sheriff’s office has indicated that body camera footage related to the incident will be made available in January. These clips could shed further light on the unfortunate sequence of events, although South Carolina law restricts public access to such footage right away, with the department having some discretion over what to release.
As Greenville comes to terms with this tragic loss, many will be watching closely for any developments in the investigation. The community and family of Daziana Natasha Kian’te Lewis deserve clarity, understanding, and most importantly, the assurance that the circumstances surrounding this incident will be examined thoroughly. The coming days will be pivotal in revealing the facts behind this heartbreaking event.
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