Whatever the eventual findings of the investigation into the June 4 shooting of a 15-year-old girl following an alleged armed robbery, we already can conclude that the incident was tragic for all concerned. We think, however, that the Rock Hill Police could have done themselves and the community a favor by making public more of what they knew about the shooting initially. On the day of the shooting, police officials were reluctant even to make public the fact that officers had, indeed, shot Yevette Williams during a confrontation in a residential section of East Main Street.

The shooting occurred moments after an armed robbery at a nearby grocery store. Williams died soon after the shooting at Piedmont Medical Center.

The initial lack of information provided by the department merely helped to fuel speculation that might have been quelled with a few more facts. We think police could have supplied more basic information about what occurred soon after the shooting without jeopardizing the independent investigation that will be conducted by the State Law Enforcement Division. ...

The overriding point, however, is that this was a tragic occurrence not only for the young teen but also her family, friends, members of the neighborhood and, particularly, the police who shot her.

We join family and friends in mourning the death of Yvette Williams. And we extend sympathies to (Police Officers) Culbreath and McCarley, who had to make a difficult choice in a perilous situation.

The (Rock Hill) Herald