Proposed Punishment for Those Convicted of Drive-by Shootings

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina lawmaker wants a specific penalty for those who commit drive-by shootings, including the possibility of execution if the shooting results in deaths.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported Tuesday that Charleston Rep. Wendell Gilliard has offered a bill to require at least 25 years in prison for those who commit drive-by shootings that result in serious injury.

Gilliard says state laws don’t specifically target drive-by shooters and there is no consistent punishment. Shooters would not be eligible for a suspended sentence or parole.

The Democrat says he wrote the bill after a November drive-by shooting in Walterboro that killed three people, including a 20-month-old child.

He says he’s also concerned that gangs use drive-by shootings as retaliation against other gangs.