Police identify shooting victim

Published 8:28 am Wednesday, March 31, 2021

UPDATE: The Smithfield Police Department has identified the victim of a shooting that happened late Tuesday night.

The victim is Austin McMillian, 18, according to Smithfield Police Department Deputy Chief Chris Meier.

Meier said the shooting did not happen at the Royal Farms gas station as originally stated. It happened nearby, in the 900 block of John Rolfe Drive.

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“All four individuals were riding in one car when the gun went off,” Meier stated.

They then drove the victim to the police department and called 911.

Meier said three of those in the car ranged in age from 18 to 20, and the fourth was a juvenile.

The gun was a .40 caliber pistol.

Earlier: One person died in what police are calling an accidental shooting that happened late Tuesday.

Police responded to Royal Farms on South Church Street about 11 p.m. on March 30, according to a Facebook post from the Smithfield Police Department.

Another call told police the victim was located at the Smithfield Police Department’s headquarters, just down the street.

Officers arrived at the police department and located a gunshot victim and three other individuals. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he passed away, the post stated.

After interviewing the other three individuals involved, police have charges pending for the suspect, Charles Wills, 18, for involuntary manslaughter, the post stated.

“It appears that the shooting was accidental,” the post continued.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more details.