N.C. man reportedly shoots 2 children during target practice, kills 1

GREENVILLE, S.C. (TCD) -- A convicted felon from North Carolina was arrested and charged last week for allegedly shooting two children, one of whom died, during target practice in South Carolina with family earlier this month.

According to WYFF-TV, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting report at Staunton Bridge Road on Sunday, Nov. 7, at approximately 1:30 p.m. A 4-year-old boy and 7-year-old girl were reportedly struck by gunfire when an adult was participating in target practice, WYFF reports. Both children were transported to the hospital in critical condition. Four-year-old Jeremiah Groves Jr. died from his wounds Thursday. WSPA-TV reports the girl remains in the hospital in critical condition.

Jonathan Jeremy Groves, 49, was taken into custody and charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, WYFF reports. Groves was reportedly not permitted to own or purchase a firearm in South Carolina due to his criminal record.

"It appears that some adults had been outside doing some target practice," Lt. Ryan Flood told WYFF. "The children were playing nearby. One of the adults was handling a firearm whenever it went off and that one round struck both children."

Flood added, "It’s an accident. Any time you’re handling guns, we always stress for people to be as careful and safe as they possibly can. This is an accident. Just a tragic, heartbreaking accident that unfortunately left these children in the condition they’re in now. Our prayers are to the family."

Flood did not confirm Jonathan Groves' relationship to the victims, but indicated they were family, WYFF reports.

Greenville County Jail records reveal Groves was arrested on Nov. 19.

He remains in the Greenville County Detention Center on $175,000 bond.

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