Second person charged in Johnson Street shooting that killed 24-year-old woman

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — A second person has been arrested in connection with a downtown Charleston shooting that left a 24-year-old woman dead.

Officers were patrolling the area near Johnson Street in downtown Charleston shortly before 8:30 p.m. on April 27 when they heard gunfire. Police located an adult woman — later identified as Briana Cason — suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

A preliminary investigation determined Cason was struck during a fight involving several individuals.

Kenneth Da’Quan Gilliard, 23, was arrested May 1 after further investigation revealed he fired a handgun during the alleged altercation. He was charged with murder, three counts of first-degree assault and battery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

Gilliard is the second person to face charges in connection with the incident. 39-year-old Tyris Asbury was arrested April 28 and charged with three counts of first-degree assault and battery.

Both suspects are being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center, according to jail records.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD’s on-duty Central Detective at 843-720-2422.