Two South Carolina Teens Escape After Alleged Kidnapping, Shooting

Midlands man faces multiple charges after incident across county lines

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A 21-year-old man in South Carolina is facing kidnapping, attempted murder, and weapons charges after allegedly abducting two 15-year-old girls, driving them to a remote location, and shooting at one of them as she escaped in his car.

Why it matters

The case highlights the dangers of teen victimization and the need for stronger safeguards against violent crimes involving minors, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to cross-jurisdictional incidents.

The details

Authorities say Darrius Gilmore picked up the two teenage girls at his home in the early morning hours of March 28 after they arrived via Uber. At some point, Gilmore accused the girls of stealing from him, forced them into his car at gunpoint, and bound them with tape. He then drove them to a remote location in Calhoun County, where he assaulted one of the girls with a gun. As Gilmore got out of the car, the other girl was able to free herself, get into Gilmore's car, and drive away. Gilmore then shot at the car, which was later found with bullet holes.

  • On March 28, the two 15-year-old girls arrived at Gilmore's home via Uber in the early morning hours.
  • Gilmore allegedly kidnapped the girls and drove them to a remote location in Calhoun County.

The players

Darrius Gilmore

A 21-year-old Midlands man who is facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and weapons violations in connection with the incident.

Calhoun County Chief Deputy Matt Trentham

The law enforcement official who provided details about the case to the media.

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What they’re saying

“At some point, Gilmore accused the girls of stealing from him before forcing them into his car at gunpoint and bound them with tape.”

— Matt Trentham, Calhoun County Chief Deputy

“As Gilmore got out of the car and assaulted one of the girls with a gun, the other girl was able to free herself and drive away in Gilmore's car. That's when authorities said Gilmore shot at the car, which was later found with bullet holes.”

— Matt Trentham, Calhoun County Chief Deputy

What’s next

Gilmore remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, and the Richland County Sheriff's Department will serve additional warrants on him upon his release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater protections and support for teenage victims of violent crimes, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to complex, cross-jurisdictional incidents involving minors.