The quiet Southgate community in Carolina Forest, South Carolina, was rocked by gunfire on the afternoon of December 19, 2024, as a shooting incident left two individuals injured and spurred an intense police manhunt for the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Liz Moore. The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) has classified Moore as “armed and dangerous,” urging residents to remain vigilant and to immediately report any sightings or relevant information. The incident unfolded near Hidden Creek Lane in Southgate, a residential neighborhood known for its family-oriented environment and close proximity to schools. What began as an isolated act of violence has now grown into a community-wide concern, raising questions about safety, prevention, and the broader implications of youth involvement in gun violence.
At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Horry County police responded to reports of gunfire in the Southgate community. According to preliminary investigations, the shooting took place following a heated confrontation between the suspect and two other individuals. Both victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a nearby medical facility. While their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the exact nature of their conditions remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with multiple residents calling 911 to report hearing gunshots and seeing a suspect fleeing the area. Police arrived within minutes and secured the neighborhood, but Liz Moore had already fled the scene, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
Liz Moore, described as a 17-year-old Black male with dreadlocks, was reportedly wearing black sweatpants and a gray hoodie at the time of the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding his connection to the victims or the motive behind the attack, although they have emphasized that the incident appears to have been “isolated.” Despite this, the HCPD is taking no chances, warning the public that Moore is potentially armed and should not be approached under any circumstances. Law enforcement has deployed significant resources, including K-9 units and aerial surveillance, to track Moore’s movements, and they have issued a plea to the community for assistance in locating the suspect.
The shooting prompted immediate lockdown measures at two nearby schools, Carolina Forest Elementary School and Creative Beginnings, both of which are within a mile of the Southgate neighborhood. Although the lockdowns were lifted after police determined there was no immediate threat to the schools, the precautionary measures underscored the potential danger posed by the incident. Parents and guardians rushed to pick up their children as news of the shooting spread, with many expressing a mix of fear and gratitude for the swift action taken by school administrators and law enforcement. “It’s terrifying to think this happened so close to where our kids go to school,” said one parent, who asked to remain anonymous. “I’m just relieved that everyone at the school is safe, but it makes you wonder how something like this could happen in our community.”
The Horry County Police Department has sought to reassure residents that a thorough investigation is underway. In a press conference held late Thursday evening, HCPD spokesperson Lieutenant Marcus Fields addressed community concerns and provided an update on the search for Moore. “We want to stress that this was not a random act of violence, and we believe all parties involved in the incident have been identified,” Fields said. “However, Liz Moore remains at large, and we are dedicating all available resources to apprehend him. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will continue to maintain an increased police presence in the Southgate area until this situation is resolved.”
As the search for Moore intensifies, questions are being raised about how a teenager came to be involved in such a violent act. While authorities have not released details about Moore’s background, community members and experts alike are grappling with the broader implications of youth involvement in gun violence. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearm-related injuries are a leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States, with many incidents tied to interpersonal disputes, gang affiliations, or access to unsecured firearms. In South Carolina, the issue of youth violence has prompted calls for stricter gun control measures and expanded community intervention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of such behavior.
One of the immediate challenges for investigators is piecing together the events that led to the shooting. Witnesses have reported seeing Moore and the victims engaged in an argument shortly before shots were fired, but the nature of their relationship remains unclear. Speculation has ranged from personal disputes to possible connections to gang activity, though police have not confirmed either scenario. Lieutenant Fields has urged the public to avoid spreading rumors or unverified information, emphasizing the importance of allowing law enforcement to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. “Our focus right now is on gathering facts and ensuring justice for the victims,” Fields said. “We ask for patience and cooperation from the community as we work to bring this case to a resolution.”
Community leaders and local advocacy groups have also weighed in on the incident, calling for renewed efforts to address the underlying issues contributing to violence among youth. Reverend Angela Carter, a prominent figure in the Carolina Forest area and founder of the nonprofit organization Youth for Change, expressed her concern about the long-term impact of such incidents on the community. “When something like this happens, it’s not just the victims and their families who are affected—it’s the entire community,” Carter said. “We need to focus on providing resources and support for our young people so that they have alternatives to violence and a path toward a brighter future.”
In addition to the immediate search for Liz Moore, the HCPD is working to ensure the safety and well-being of Southgate residents. Officers have been conducting door-to-door visits in the neighborhood, providing updates on the investigation and addressing concerns from community members. The increased police presence has been met with mixed reactions, with some residents expressing gratitude for the added security and others voicing frustration over the disruption to their daily lives. “It’s a double-edged sword,” said one Southgate resident, who requested anonymity. “On one hand, we feel safer knowing the police are here, but on the other hand, it’s a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.”
As the investigation continues, the HCPD has encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the department’s hotline or via their online portal. Authorities have also highlighted the importance of community cooperation in resolving cases of this nature, noting that even small details can play a crucial role in advancing the investigation. “We rely on the eyes and ears of the community to help us keep everyone safe,” Fields said. “If you see something, say something—it could make all the difference.”
The incident in Carolina Forest is part of a broader pattern of gun violence that has plagued communities across the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 35,000 incidents of gun violence nationwide in 2024 alone, with a significant number involving teenagers as either victims or perpetrators. Experts have pointed to a range of contributing factors, including socioeconomic disparities, mental health challenges, and the prevalence of firearms, as drivers of this alarming trend. In response, policymakers and advocacy groups have called for comprehensive solutions that address both the immediate and long-term aspects of the issue.
For now, the focus remains on finding Liz Moore and ensuring the safety of the Carolina Forest community. As police continue their search, residents are left to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting and the unsettling reality that such violence could occur in their own backyard. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to prevent future tragedies and create a safer environment for all. As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains clear: the path to healing and resolution will require the cooperation and commitment of the entire community.
