S.C. man, ex-girlfriend, and her mother fatally shot after he allegedly broke into home

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (TCD) -- A 24-year-old man, his ex-girlfriend, and her mother were killed in late January after he allegedly broke into her home and gunfire was exchanged.

According to a press release from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 26, deputies responded to Eddings Point Road in St. Helena Island to a home break-in and shooting. A female caller had reportedly called and said somebody she knew broke in, and gunfire ensued.

At the scene, officers reportedly learned the residents of the home, 22-year-old Kalila Saunders or her mother, 55-year-old Robin Saunders, defended themselves against the armed suspect, Jaquan Sanders, and shots were fired by both parties.

According to the Beaufort Gazette, Sanders was Kalila Saunders’ estranged boyfriend.

Upon their arrival, the Sheriff’s Office says the door had been damaged, matching the female caller’s report of the home invasion. A deputy reportedly located an unresponsive Sanders in the upstairs hallway with a pistol in his hand.

In the bedroom, the Sheriff’s Office says authorities found the two residents of the home, Kalila and Robin, on the floor with a pistol located nearby.

Kalila and Sanders were both reportedly declared dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds. The Sheriff’s Office says Robin was transported to the hospital, where she later died.

Two different pistols were reportedly recovered, along with bullets and casings consistent with the located calibers. The investigation remains ongoing.

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