Another Arrest Made in Connection with Tragic Shooting in Burton
BURTON, SC – The community of Burton is still reeling from the shocking news that a 17-year-old girl lost her life last month in a shooting outside an apartment complex. The situation has taken a more serious turn with the arrest of a third suspect, bringing the total number of individuals charged to three. Storm Lemont Zop Polite, aged 23, has been arrested and faces serious charges, including murder, aggravated breach of peace, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Who are the Suspects?
Prior to Polite’s arrest, two teens from Beaufort, named Jeremiah Warren and Rashod Lorenzo Williams, both 18 years old, had already been charged with murder shortly after the incident. They, along with Polite, are accused of taking the life of Ari’Anna Mulligan, a young girl remembered fondly by her friends and family for her “beloved” nature, kind heart, and warm spirit.
Before her untimely death, Ari’Anna was in her senior year at Bridges Preparatory School, having just transferred from Whale Branch College Early High School. The community is left heartbroken, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the vibrant young girl. Polite is from Dale and has connections to the same schools as the young girl, hinting that these suspects may have known her.
A Heartbreaking Celebration of Life
The community has come together to remember Ari’Anna in beautiful ways. Recently, a celebration of her life was held at Friendship Holiness Church in Seabrook, where the pews were filled with attendees dressed in bright pink—Ari’Anna’s favorite color. Darrius Brockington, who was Ari’Anna’s basketball coach and business education teacher, spoke poignantly, stating, “As a teacher, they don’t really train you for things like this.” He shared that Ari’Anna had dreams of studying at Georgia Southern University and pursuing a career as a hairstylist.
In another touching memory, the school hosted an after-school memorial filled with love and bright pink balloons released into the sky, symbolizing Ari’Anna’s vibrant spirit. Principal Daniel Tooman shared how every morning, “she walked into our hallways and never missed a beat—smiled, said ‘good morning’.” This celebration serves as a testament to what Ari’Anna meant to her school and community.
Ongoing Investigation
The tragic events unfolded late on September 15, when deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received reports of multiple shots fired at the Magnolia Park Apartments. When they arrived, three juveniles had already been shot. Despite efforts to save her, Ari’Anna succumbed to her injuries after being transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where she went into cardiac arrest.
It has also come to light that one of the other gunshot victims was actually Ari’Anna’s brother, which adds another layer of tragedy to the situation. The Beaufort County Coroner, David Ott, has kept certain details confidential, including how many times Ari’Anna was shot. Meanwhile, all three suspects, including Polite, remain in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center as law enforcement continues their investigation.
Community Remembers and Responds
A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Ari’Anna’s funeral expenses has accumulated nearly $15,000 in just a couple of weeks, reflecting the love and support from the community. The fundraiser highlights how “Ari’Anna’s light shone brightly and her creativity and compassion touched all who were blessed to know her.”
How Can You Help?
As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone with information about that fateful night to come forward. Tips can be shared with lead investigator Master Sgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or submitted online. During this difficult time, the community is holding onto the memory of Ari’Anna, cherishing her spirit and wishing justice for a young life that was taken too soon.
With a bond hearing for Polite scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, many await further developments in this heartbreaking case. The journey toward healing for Ari’Anna’s family and friends is just beginning as they navigate this profound loss.
