Irmo, South Carolina, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Rachel Branham, a 37-year-old resident of Irmo, was tragically killed in a shooting on Forest Walk Court early Sunday morning. Neighbors remembered her as a kind and supportive person. The suspected shooter, 65-year-old Keith Bagley, has been arrested and charged with murder and other offenses. The investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is ongoing, and the community is reeling from the impact of this violent incident.
Irmo, South Carolina
Rachel Branham, a 37-year-old woman from Irmo, was killed in a shooting on Forest Walk Court early Sunday morning. The Richland County Coroner confirmed Branham’s identity on Monday, following the tragic incident that has shocked the local community.
Neighbors remembered Branham as kind, loving, and always supportive of others. One neighbor expressed disbelief over the incident, fondly recalling Branham’s caring nature which had a positive impact on those around her.
The shooting was reported around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, prompting deputies to respond to calls of shots fired. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man with a gunshot wound to the upper body, who was subsequently taken to the hospital. According to reports, the injured man informed deputies that the shooter was his neighbor.
Authorities located 65-year-old Keith Bagley, the suspected shooter, sitting on a porch, drinking a beer. Bagley was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and multiple weapons offenses. Shortly after the arrest, deputies found Branham lying face down and unresponsive in the doorway, where she had sustained a gunshot wound, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, a man, was transported to a hospital, but his condition is currently unknown.
It is believed that Branham, Bagley, and the second victim were known to each other prior to the incident. Bagley has a documented criminal history, including previous convictions for assault and battery and burglary. He is presently held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing.
The investigation by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department is ongoing. As of now, officials have not released a motive for the shooting or provided further details regarding the relationships among those involved.
Background Context
The Irmo community is grieving after this violent incident, which has raised concerns about safety in the area. Rachel Branham’s death marks a tragic loss for her family, friends, and neighbors, who characterized her as a person who consistently uplifted others. The lack of a clear motive for the shooting has left many in the community searching for answers.
Key Facts
- Incident Location: Forest Walk Court, Irmo, South Carolina
- Victim: Rachel Branham, 37
- Suspect: Keith Bagley, 65
- Charges: Murder, attempted murder, multiple weapons offenses
- Status of Second Victim: Hospitalized, condition unknown
- Time of Incident: 1:15 a.m. on Sunday
- Investigation: Ongoing by Richland County Sheriff’s Department
FAQ
Who was the victim in the Irmo shooting?
Rachel Branham, a 37-year-old woman from Irmo, was killed in a shooting on Forest Walk Court early Sunday morning.
What happened during the shooting?
The shooting was reported around 1:15 a.m. Sunday, resulting in the death of Branham and injuries to a second victim. Deputies found a man with a gunshot wound who identified his neighbor as the shooter.
Who has been arrested in connection with the shooting?
Authorities arrested Keith Bagley, 65, who has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and multiple weapons offenses.
Are there any updates on the second victim’s condition?
The second victim was transported to a hospital, but his condition remains unknown.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Rachel Branham, 37 |
| Incident Location | Forest Walk Court, Irmo, South Carolina |
| Suspect | Keith Bagley, 65 |
| Charges | Murder, attempted murder, weapons offenses |
| Status of Second Victim | Hospitalized, condition unknown |
| Time of Incident | 1:15 a.m. Sunday |
| Investigation | Ongoing by Richland County Sheriff’s Department |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Irmo community mourns Rachel Branham
- Wikipedia: Irmo, South Carolina
- WIS TV: Coroner IDs woman killed after shooting
- Google Search: Rachel Branham shooting Irmo
- WLTX: Neighbors remember woman’s loving spirit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
- The State: Local crime news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
- ABC Columbia: Man arrested for murder
- Google News: Rachel Branham shooting
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
