Police were called to the scene following reports of a shooting at 4:45 p.m.
“Dr. Robert Lesslie and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, were both found in the home and died from gunshot wounds, as well as their two grandchildren. James Lewis of Gastonia, worked at home and died of gunshot wounds. sheriff said.
During the news conference following the shooting, Faris said he had lived in the area all his life and that “Dr. Lesslie grew up my doctor.”
“Dr. Lesslie was one of the people everyone knows. He started the Riverview Medical Center in Rock Hill and it’s been an important step in Rock Hill for years,” Faris said.
“In addition to the five people killed, another person with ‘serious gunshot wounds’ was taken to hospital,” said Faris, who described the incident as a mass shooting.
“This is a very tragic, tragic situation and the family is asking you to respect their privacy during this time,” Faris said.
As for the suspect, Faris said, “We have found the person we believe is responsible, and we are currently with them.”
“That’s all I can say about the suspect,” the spokesman added.
Asked if the suspect was a neighbor, Faris said, “He lives on the same road.”
“There is no active threat to the community,” the sheriff said. “Detectives are still in the area serving a search warrant and investigating the tragic event.”