Kesha Luwan Lucille Tate Target Law

Kesha Luwan Lucille Tate was a 42-year-old mother of nine. She lived with her children in Gaffney, South Carolina. One day, she was looking out her kitchen window when a bullet pierced her chest. The Cherokee County Coroner pronounced her dead at the scene. Her family is seeking legal change, especially in regard to gun violence. They want to avoid cases like this, and are hoping to pass a “Kesha Tate Target Law” that would prohibit target practice in residential neighborhoods.

In the wake of the shooting, the Kesha Tate family is working to raise money for her funeral expenses. The oldest daughter, Traleekia, created a GoFundMe page to help with the costs. As the family seeks financial support, they are also working to change the law to prevent gun violence.

A neighbor, Nicholas Skylar Lucas, is now accused of killing Tate. According to police, Lucas was drunk when he shot Tate, and the victim was killed in her own home. Lucas is also facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. This charge was upgraded from a misdemeanor because prosecutors said Lucas was acting intoxicated.

According to the crime scene technicians, the bullet that struck Tate was in pristine condition. However, the bullet could not have deflected off the dish, which Lucas claimed. When questioned about the incident, the sheriff’s office said that they have received no reports of Lucas firing a weapon at his property in the past year.

Tate was killed in her home on the evening of Saturday, July 7, and was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Lucas, who lived behind her home, was arrested for the crime. He had not retained an attorney, but he was taken into custody. During his arrest, he said he was targeting a trash can in his backyard. However, the crime scene technicians said that there was no evidence to back up the claim.

It was a quiet country street. There was no fencing on the land. Despite being on a residential street, Lucas was known for target practicing on his lawn. His neighbors may have complained about regular gun shots. That’s why the sheriff’s office is investigating.

Lucas, who lives behind Tate’s home, denied firing the bullet at her. But, according to the sheriff’s office, he was target practicing on the nearby property of thirty other homes. Even so, the sheriff’s office called Tate’s death “avoidable.”

Lucas was charged with involuntary manslaughter and a charge of shooting a firearm while under the influence. He was jailed Tuesday. At the time of this article, the sheriff’s office said that he had not retained a lawyer. Jail records don’t list when Lucas is expected to appear in court.

While Tate’s family and loved ones are pushing for changes in the gun laws in South Carolina, it’s not clear if they will succeed. Until then, they will be trying to raise their children as one.