Georgetown County Mourns 22-Year-Old Ricky Dixon Killed in Oatland Community Shooting
GEORGETOWN, SC — A deep sense of sorrow has settled over Georgetown County after officials confirmed the identity of the victim in a deadly early morning shooting in the Oatland Community. Georgetown County Coroner Chase Ridgeway identified the deceased as Ricky Dixon, 22, of Georgetown—a young man whose life was tragically cut short.
The incident occurred in the quiet hours before dawn, when residents of the Oatland Community were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire. Deputies from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple 911 calls and arrived to find Dixon suffering from serious gunshot wounds. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released details about what led to the shooting, but investigators spent much of the morning combing the area for evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and canvassing the neighborhood for security camera footage. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide, and no arrests have been announced at this time.
Friends and family of Ricky Dixon are reeling from the news, describing him as a bright, good-natured young man who cared deeply for those around him. Social media has been flooded with tributes, photographs, and memories celebrating his life, as loved ones struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss.
“Ricky had the biggest smile and a heart to match,” one friend shared. “He was always there for people, no matter what. This just doesn’t feel real.”
The Oatland Community, known for its tight bonds and quiet charm, is now grappling with the shock of violence in its midst. Local pastors and community leaders have called for unity and calm as law enforcement continues its search for answers.
Coroner Ridgeway’s confirmation of Dixon’s identity has underscored the human cost of the tragedy, turning what began as a crime scene into a painful chapter in the county’s story. A candlelight vigil is already being planned in Ricky’s honor, where friends and neighbors will gather to share memories, offer prayers, and demand justice.
As the investigation continues, the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. For those closest to Ricky Dixon, the coming days will be marked by grief, remembrance, and a determined hope that whoever is responsible will be held accountable.