Authorities in South Carolina continue to investigate an apparent home invasion that left an 8-year-old boy dead as the young victim’s loved ones struggle to cope.
According to WIS, police believe Mason Hanahan was shot early on Tuesday morning by an unknown assailant who remained at large as of the latest updates available.
A homeowner reportedly exchanged gunshots with the subject and the young boy was hit in the process.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher said he was pronounced dead from “an apparent gunshot wound” shortly after arriving at an area hospital.
The second grade student went to Oak Grove Elementary School in Lexington County, according to those who knew him. He was also an avid baseball player, manning third base for the Pineview Dixie Youth Baseball team with an eye toward the major league.
Mason had just been named as an all-star days earlier and attended practice the day before his death.
“We’re all devastated,” said his mother, Tyler. “I keep thinking this is not real and I’m going to be able to go and pick him up from school.”
Mason, who leaves behind three siblings in addition to his parents and other relatives, was “just perfect,” his mother said.
“I can’t explain it,” Tyler continued. “I know I’m his mom, but he was just so special. He loved life and loved everyone around him.”
The grieving mother said her son “adored his family and siblings and was practically inseparable from his 6-year-old sister.”
Police say the homeowner, believed to be Mason’s father, was shot but is expected to recover. The gunman might have been shot in the process, too.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 888-CRIME-SC.
[Featured image: Mason Hanahan, Facebook]
