Charges are pending for two teenagers accused of committing an act of animal cruelty that shocked the community and sparked outrage on social media.
The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) revealed that the disturbing incident came to light through a viral video initially captured on Snapchat and later circulated on Facebook. The footage depicts one teenager spraying an opossum with an accelerant before igniting it, followed by a series of violent actions including kicking and stomping on the helpless animal.
According to the South Carolina Game Wardens, the perpetrators involved in the act are aged 17 and 15. The video prompted numerous concerned citizens to reach out to authorities, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
In response to the mounting public outcry, CCSO launched an investigation into the matter, collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), who were already actively pursuing leads in the case.
"We would like to thank all who have sent messages through email and Facebook in reference to the video that was circulating on social media showing two teenage boys spraying a young opossum with an accelerant, then setting it on fire. This was a horrific act that we began to investigate immediately," stated Sheriff Tim Baxley on social media.
The South Carolina Game Wardens, in a Facebook post, expressed gratitude for the public's assistance and assured concerned citizens that updates regarding potential charges would be provided in due course. They confirmed that the incident was reported through the Operation Game Thief tip line, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in combating such intolerable acts of animal cruelty.
