Rachel Branham Obituary, Death – A woman who lost her life in a weekend shooting in the Midlands has been identified, according to authorities. Richland County Coroner Nadia Rutherford confirmed the victim as 37-year-old Rachel Branham of Irmo. The fatal shooting occurred early Sunday morning on Forest Walk Court, in a quiet residential area that was suddenly shaken by violence.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) reported that deputies were dispatched around 1:15 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived at the scene, officers discovered not one but two shooting victims.

According to officials, the suspect, 65-year-old Keith Bagley, was still present when deputies reached the area. Authorities said Bagley was located sitting on the front porch of a nearby home, holding a beer in his hand. Deputies moved quickly to detain him while continuing their investigation at the residence.

As Bagley was being taken into custody, deputies discovered Branham lying face down in the doorway of the home. She was unresponsive, and emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Her death was attributed to injuries sustained in the shooting.

The second victim, whose identity has not been released, was found suffering from gunshot wounds. That individual was rushed to a hospital for treatment, though officials have not provided an update on their condition. Authorities believe that all three individuals — Bagley, Branham, and the second victim — were acquainted, suggesting the violence was not a random act but stemmed from personal circumstances.

Following the incident, Bagley was formally arrested and charged with several serious offenses. These include one count of murder for Branham’s death, one count of attempted murder in connection with the surviving victim, and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Bagley was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where he is being held as he awaits a bond hearing. Officials have not indicated whether additional charges could follow as the investigation progresses.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has not yet shared details about what may have led to the shooting. No motive has been publicly disclosed, though deputies continue to gather information from witnesses and evidence at the scene. The case remains under active investigation.

The incident has left the local community stunned, as gun violence again disrupts lives and families in the Midlands. Residents in the Forest Walk Court neighborhood expressed shock at the deadly events that unfolded in their typically peaceful area.

Sheriff’s officials emphasized that investigators are working diligently to piece together the circumstances of the shooting. They also urged anyone with further information about the case to contact RCSD directly or reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers.

The death of Rachel Branham highlights the devastating toll that violent crime takes on individuals, families, and entire communities. As the legal process moves forward, authorities say their focus is both on bringing justice in this case and continuing to address broader concerns about safety in the area.

For now, a grieving family is left to mourn the loss of a 37-year-old woman whose life was cut short, while another victim fights to recover. Meanwhile, Bagley faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence as he stands accused of one of the gravest crimes in state law.

This tragic case underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and community cooperation as law enforcement works to prevent future acts of violence and hold offenders accountable.