17-Year-Old Arianna Mulligan Killed in Burton Shooting

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has identified 17-year-old Arianna Mulligan as the victim killed in a shooting at the Magnolia Park Apartments in Burton, South Carolina, on Sunday night. Mulligan, a resident of Beaufort, was one of three minors shot during the violent altercation that took place in the apartment complex’s parking lot.

Authorities responded to multiple reports of gunfire around 10 p.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered three juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds. Mulligan was initially taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital but was later airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) after going into cardiac arrest during the flight. She was pronounced dead at 12:18 a.m. on Monday, according to Beaufort County Coroner David Ott.

The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, with police exploring the possibility that multiple shooters were involved. However, as of Monday morning, no suspects had been identified. Master Sgt. Danny Allen of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on whether the incident was a drive-by shooting but noted that authorities are considering various scenarios.

An autopsy for Mulligan was scheduled for Wednesday at MUSC in Charleston, though the coroner has not disclosed the number of times the teen was shot. The condition of the other two juveniles involved has not been released, and it is unclear whether their injuries were life-threatening.

The tragic shooting occurred just six hours before another incident of gunfire in northern Beaufort County. Around 4:20 a.m. Monday, a home was hit by multiple bullets, though no one inside was injured. Investigators are still determining if the two incidents are related, but at this time, no connection has been established.

Mulligan’s death marks the 16th homicide in Beaufort County this year, a troubling statistic that reflects a rise in violent crime in the region. The growing number of homicides in 2024 is set to surpass last year’s figures, which represented the deadliest year for gun violence in decades in the Hilton Head area.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact lead investigator Master Sgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or submit tips anonymously online at bcso.net.