80-Year-Old Man Allegedly Kills Neighbor’s 11-Year-Old Daughter and His Own Wife in South Carolina Shooting

A small South Carolina town is reeling after a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing incident involving an 80-year-old man who allegedly shot and killed an 11-year-old girl and his 76-year-old wife.

The suspect, Reuben Arthur Leonard, now faces multiple murder charges after what authorities are calling a “senseless” and “unprovoked” shooting that left a young life stolen and a community in shock.

A Quiet Evening Turns Deadly

The violence unfolded just after 10:30 p.m. on April 16 in a neighborhood on Floyd Drive in Sumter County. Inside one of the homes, a group of about ten people — including children — were gathered for a typical evening at home.

That peaceful night was shattered when Leonard, armed with an assault-style rifle and a second gun, entered the home without warning. Witnesses say he began firing almost immediately.

Tragically, 11-year-old Ashly McFarland was shot and killed in the attack. Her father was also wounded while trying to protect his family and wrestle the weapon away from Leonard. With the help of other family members, they managed to hold the elderly gunman down until sheriff’s deputies arrived.

Despite desperate attempts to save her, Ashly died at the scene.

“She was a bright, joyful student who touched everyone she met,” her school district said in a statement. “We are devastated.”

A Chilling Statement to Deputies

As Leonard was taken into custody, he reportedly told officers something that made their stomachs sink.

“Check my garage,” he said. “I shot my wife too.”

Deputies rushed to Leonard’s home on Saltwood Road — just a few minutes away. There, inside the garage, they found 76-year-old Felicia Leonard dead from a gunshot wound. The couple had lived in the home for years. Neighbors say there were no obvious signs of trouble between them — at least not publicly.

So far, investigators have not released a clear motive for Felicia’s killing.

Disputes That May Have Escalated

According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Leonard had ongoing tensions with his neighbors — including the McFarland family — over their practice of backyard target shooting.

While the family’s target practice was entirely legal, Leonard had repeatedly complained to law enforcement, saying the noise was bothering him. In fact, just two days before the deadly shooting, Leonard was arrested and charged with breach of peace after confronting the neighbors.

Authorities say no other residents in the area had made complaints about the target shooting.

“This was a senseless act of violence that never should have happened,” said Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner. “This family was simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. What happened to them is unthinkable.”

What Happens Next

Reuben Leonard is now facing two charges of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. He’s being held without bond at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

Deputies say Leonard does not appear to suffer from any mental health conditions, and there’s currently no indication that dementia or other cognitive disorders played a role.

As for the community, the pain is raw. Neighbors have begun leaving flowers and stuffed animals near the McFarland family home. A small vigil is being planned to remember Ashly — a bright light gone far too soon.

“She didn’t deserve this,” said a neighbor, wiping away tears. “Nobody did.”

As the investigation continues, many are left asking how an argument over noise turned into a double tragedy — and what more could have been done to prevent it.