Proudly Serving the Citizens of Beaufort County, South Carolina

For emergencies, call 9-1-1

Proudly Serving the Citizens of Beaufort County, South Carolina

For emergencies, call 9-1-1

Suspect in custody after Friday afternoon shooting on Saint Helena Island

19-year-old Laventis Cohen is incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center, charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime after shooting a man on Saint Helena Island on January 19, 2024.

Deputies were called to the Coffin Point Road area, Saint Helena Island, shortly before 5:00 p.m. for reports of gunfire. They found a 36-year-old man suffering from a single gunshot wound to his leg.

Beaufort County EMS transported the man to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Deputies quickly determined that Cohen, who is a relative of the victim, was the one responsible for the shooting. He was located in a home very close to the crime scene and detained by deputies.

Investigators developed probable cause through the investigation to charge Cohen with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office, or if wishing to remain anonymous and for a possible reward, Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111.