Mayhem prevailed in a South Carolina cemetery on Wednesday after a man intentionally drove into a graveside service, injuring 12 people. Police are still trying to figure out a motive.
James Kester, 64, was charged with 12 counts of attempted murder after his vehicle plunged through the burial service at Columbia's Greenlawn Memorial Park, according to The State.
Kester was being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and scheduled to appear at his bond hearing on Thursday.
"Kester is accused of intentionally driving his car into the 12 victims at a grave site on Leesburg Road …," said a Columbia Police Department statement. "The victims, ranging from 78 to 11 years old were treated at local hospitals for their non-life threatening injuries.”
"After the incident, officers were able to detain Kester and bring him to the police station for questioning. CPD investigators continue to determine the motive for the crime. There is no indication at this time that Kester is acquainted with the victims," the police said.
Columbia police told WLTX-TV that the victims were all part of the same family attending the graveside service.
Five of the victims were taken to Palmetto Health Richland, while others were transported to Palmetto Health Baptist. The Palmetto Health Baptist patients were all treated and released.
The Greenlawn Memorial Park general manager said the burial service was completed.
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