Six individuals, all illegal immigrants, ranging in age from 13 to 21, have been arrested and charged in connection with the “random” murder of a South Carolina mother, Larisha Sharell Thompson. The tragic incident took place earlier this month, when Thompson was found dead with a gunshot wound behind the wheel of her vehicle on Riverside Road in Lancaster.
The suspects, identified as Asael Aminadas Torres-Chirinos, 21; Jarby Ardon Ramos-Odari, 18; Jeyson Sobied Pineda-Salgado, 17; and three juveniles, ages 13, 14, and 15, were arrested in connection with Thompson’s death and a separate burglary that occurred on April 30.
During a court hearing on May 14, all six suspects admitted to robbing a car. Text messages allegedly exchanged between the suspects after Thompson’s murder revealed phrases such as “mission fail” and “this is just the beginning,” indicating a lack of remorse. Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon expressed shock at the crime, noting the premeditated nature of the murder and the absence of regret from the suspects.
Authorities believe Torres-Chirinos was the one who pulled the trigger in Thompson’s murder. Defense attorneys for the juvenile defendants claimed that the suspects were coerced into the crime. Prosecutors described Torres-Chirinos as the ringleader of the group.
The Department of Homeland Security has placed detainers on all six individuals, ensuring they remain detained until they face the full weight of the judicial system. The suspects are accused of fatally shooting Thompson in a random robbery attempt. Ballistic evidence linked the suspects to a burglary that took place at a store just a few minutes’ drive from the murder scene.
Through digital surveillance, investigators identified Torres-Chirinos at the scene of both crimes, leading to the detention of the other suspects. The three adult suspects are facing charges of murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree burglary. Torres-Chirinos is also charged with firearms possession during the commission of a crime and firearms possession by an unlawful alien. Prosecutors may seek the death penalty against him.
The three juvenile suspects are also facing charges of murder, attempted armed robbery, and second-degree burglary. All six suspects are subject to removal from the United States under federal immigration law based on their immigration status. The community is said to be a much safer place now that these individuals are off the streets.
