Police were called to the scene after reports of a shooting at 4:45 p.m.
“Dr. Robert Lesslie and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, were both found at home and died of gunshot wounds as well as their 2 grandchildren. James Lewis of Gastonia worked at home and died of gunshot wounds,” the sheriff’s office said.
The grandchildren were ages 5 and 9, according to the York County Coroner̵
Physician had practiced in the area since 1981
During the post-shooting press conference, Faris said he has lived in the area all his life and that “Dr. Lesslie was my doctor growing up.”
“Dr. Lesslie has been one of the people that everyone knows. He started Riverview Medical Center in Rock Hill, and it’s been a staple of Rock Hill for years,” Faris said.
In addition to the five people killed, another person was transported to the hospital with “serious gunshot wounds,” Faris said, describing the incident as a mass shooting.
“This is a very tragic, tragic situation, and the family asks that you respect their privacy during this time,” Faris said.
Authorities say they have found the suspect
As for the suspect, Faris said: “We have found the person we believe is responsible and we are with them at this time.”
“That’s all I can say about the suspect,” the spokesman added.
When asked if the suspect was a neighbor, Faris said, “He lives on the same road.”
“There is no active threat to society,” the sheriff’s office said. “Detectives are still in the area serving a search warrant and investigating this tragic event.”
