Burton Community Mourns Loss of 17-Year-Old Girl
In the small and tight-knit community of Burton, a cloud of sadness looms over local residents as the tragic story of a young life cut short continues to unfold. The loss of Ari’Anna Mulligan, a 17-year-old girl who was shot outside her apartment complex last month, has left her family and friends heartbroken. Recently, police have arrested a third suspect connected to this devastating incident, with charges now filed against all involved.
A Family’s Grief
Ari’Anna was remembered as a “beloved” young girl filled with kindness and a “warm spirit.” She had just begun her senior year at Bridges Preparatory School, following a transfer from Whale Branch College Early High School. Known for her dreams of attending Georgia Southern University and working as a hairstylist, her family and friends are now left to ponder what might have been.
On September 15, around 10 p.m., deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to emergency calls reporting multiple shots fired at the Magnolia Park Apartments. Upon arrival, they found three juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds, including Ari’Anna and her brother. While Ari’Anna was urgently transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital and later airlifted to a facility in Charleston, she tragically went into cardiac arrest during the flight.
The Arrests
As the community struggled to cope with the shock of such a tragic loss, law enforcement officials began to piece together what had happened that fateful night. Initially, two teens, Jeremiah Warren and Rashod Lorenzo Williams, both 18, were charged with murder within a week of the incident. Now, a third suspect, Storm Lemont Zop Polite, 23, has been officially charged with murder, aggravated breach of peace, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Polite, who previously attended Whale Branch Early College High School, is also being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center, alongside the two other suspects. Interestingly, public records show that he resides about 10 miles from the crime scene, on Community Center Road. A bond hearing for Polite was scheduled for the morning of September 21. At this time, it is noted that all three suspects have no prior criminal convictions.
A Community Comes Together
The outpouring of love for Ari’Anna was palpable in the days that followed her passing. A celebration of her life took place Saturday at the Friendship Holiness Church in Seabrook, where hundreds gathered to honor her memory. Attendees donned bright pink outfits, a color that symbolized both Ari’Anna’s spirit and her family’s request to celebrate her essence.
“As a teacher, they don’t really train you for things like this,” said Darrius Brockington, Mulligan’s business education teacher and basketball coach at Bridges. His voice quivered with emotion as he shared memories of her warm greetings in the hallways and her dreams for the future.
Just a week before the celebration of life, another memorial was held outside Bridges Preparatory School, with pink balloons released into the sky. Principal Daniel Tooman spoke fondly of Ari’Anna, recalling how she never failed to share her smiles and greetings each morning.
A Community’s Response
As the community grieves, many have stepped up to support Ari’Anna’s family through their unexpected tragedy. A GoFundMe account created to cover funeral expenses raised an astonishing $15,000 in just two weeks, showcasing the love and support the community has for a young girl whose creativity and compassion touched so many lives.
If anyone has information related to the shooting incident on September 15, law enforcement encourages them to reach out to the lead investigator, Master Sgt. Duncan, at 843-255-3418. The hope is that through community collaboration, justice for Ari’Anna and her family will ultimately prevail.
As the investigation continues and the community heals, those who knew and loved Ari’Anna will always cherish her bright spirit that will forever live on in their hearts.
