A South Carolina father’s worst nightmare came true on Sunday when he accidentally killed his own child while trying to protect his home, police said.
Nadeja Jermainequa Pressley, 23, arrived home around 1:30 a.m. on May 19 and was attempting to open the door when she startled her father, WYFF reports.
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jimmy Bolt said Pressley’s father mistook her for an intruder and shot through the door, hitting his own daughter.
The 23-year-old died on the scene, according to the coroner’s office.
Neighbor Regina Harvey heard gunfire in the early morning hours, she told WYFF:
“I just heard two gunshots. And went out on the porch and I seen police everywhere, everywhere. That’s just a sad feeling.”
Another area resident, Melvin Grover, said that the neighborhood was “devastated” by the tragic accident. He said:
“It’s a sad day today, and it’s a tragic moment that happened in the neighborhood, and we are so heartbroken about it.”
Grover added in regard to the family:
“We’ll do whatever we can, so don’t hesitate. Let us know because we are more than willing to help.”
The county coroner will perform an autopsy on May 20.
The father, whose name hasn’t been released, may face charges for the death of his daughter. As of now, the shooting remains under investigation.