The guardian of twin sisters shot during a gun battle on April 25 has been arrested.
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ryan Flood said deputies arrested Stanice Joy Acoy on April 28. She was charged with five counts of unlawful conduct towards a child, unlawful possession of a firearm, trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Deputies said Acoy was Brite Shalom Acoy and her unidentified twin sister’s aunt and caregiver. Brite was killed inside their Belle Meade apartment, and her sister was critically injured. Acoy also had four of her own children living in the apartment.
Investigators said Acoy kept the children in deplorable living conditions, including one bed for the six children, a loaded firearm, more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, more than 90 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, all within reach of the children.
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According to warrants from the Sheriff’s Office, Acoy possessed a .380 caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The children were taken into emergency protective custody by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and turned over to the Department of Social Services.
Five days ago, Greenville County deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the Belle Meade apartment complex on Fleetwood Drive around 5:30 p.m. They found Brite, her sister, and an 18-year-old wounded from gunshots. Brite died at the scene.
Deputies arrested three people on April 26 suspected in the shooting. Stanice’s partner, Shawnteza La Shay Sherman, 31, of Greenville, was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy. A 16-year-old was also arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Another minor involved in the shooting was charged with possessing a firearm while under the age of 18.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville deputies arrest guardian of twin killed during shootout