Family Demands Justice for Teen Killed by Deputy in South Carolina

Tyren Kinloch's family calls for federal civil rights investigation months after his death

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The family of 17-year-old Tyren Kinloch is calling for justice and a federal civil rights investigation months after he was shot and killed by a deputy with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina. Kinloch was killed in April 2025 following a traffic stop, and authorities concluded he died from a 'back-to-front' gunshot wound. However, Kinloch's family says critical questions remain unanswered and they cannot accept the silence and inconsistencies around his death.

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability and transparency in police-involved shootings, especially those involving young people of color. The family's push for a federal civil rights investigation highlights the ongoing challenges in building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The details

According to the report, Corporal Cameron Blackmon initially pulled Kinloch over for tinted windows. Investigators say Kinloch ran from the vehicle, and Corporal Blackmon pursued him into a wooded area after seeing a firearm. The report states that Corporal Blackmon said Kinloch pointed a gun at him, prompting the corporal to fire four shots. Authorities concluded Kinloch died from a 'back-to-front' gunshot wound and said the bullet's trajectory had little evidentiary value. The case was closed in July 2025 without charges being filed.

  • Kinloch was killed in April 2025 following a traffic stop in Berkeley County.
  • The case was closed in July 2025 without charges being filed.

The players

Tyren Kinloch

A 17-year-old who was shot and killed by a deputy with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina.

Corporal Cameron Blackmon

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office deputy who shot and killed Tyren Kinloch.

Kylie Kinloch

Tyren Kinloch's mother, who is calling for justice and a federal civil rights investigation.

James Johnson

The CEO of the National Racial Justice Network, who questioned the escalation of the encounter and called for clearer answers about the final moments.

Shakeris Kinloch-Gardner

Tyren Kinloch's aunt, who described him as a teenager full of life with an infectious smile.

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What they’re saying

“This is a 17-year-old young man. Life didn't have to be taken.”

— James Johnson, CEO, National Racial Justice Network (abcnews4.com)

“He was just the light. If Tyren was here today, he would be smiling. He had an infectious smile.”

— Shakeris Kinloch-Gardner, Tyren Kinloch's aunt (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

The family says they will keep pushing for a federal civil rights investigation to ensure Tyren Kinloch is remembered as more than a headline.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in building trust between law enforcement and communities of color, and the need for greater accountability and transparency in police-involved shootings, especially those involving young people.