SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – A Dorchester County School District Two teaching assistant and her boyfriend are charged with providing a firearm to a 15-year-old boy, which he later used in his death.
Patiance Shy’torra Myles and Tristen Alan Stone were booked on July 25 into the Dorchester County Jail on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and criminal conspiracy.
On July 4, officers with the Summerville Police Department and Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on reports of a male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers found a 15-year-old boy dead with a handgun that his loved ones told officers did not know he was in possession of.
The teenager’s cell phone was collected from the scene and showed he contacted Myles, who is reportedly his cousin, on June 21, stating, “ask Tristen iemme buy det other gun.” Documents state the message was in reference to purchasing a gun from Myles’ boyfriend, Stone.
On June 25, Myles picked up the 15-year-old with Stone and drove him to an unknown address before heading to Sharon Memorial Cemetery, where the boy’s father was buried. Once at the cemetery, multiple videos and photos were taken of the teenager handling two firearms, with both Myles and Stone visible.
The warrant states prior to receiving the gun, the 15-year-old attempted to obtain a firearm from several individuals unsuccessfully.
Other photos and videos on the teenager’s phone also showed him handling various firearms prior to June 25. Only the gun allegedly provided by Myles and Stone was observed in photos following June 25, and the boy took photos and videos with it almost daily, according to arrest warrants.
Court documents state Myles and Stone did provide the firearm to a known 15-year-old, which was used to take his own life.
Myles received a bond of $20,000 for both charges and was released from jail on July 26. Stone was released on July 27 and received a bond of $40,000 for both charges.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Myles is listed as a teaching assistant for two Dorchester District Two Schools: Greg Middle School and Spann Elementary.
When contacted for comment, Dorchester District Two confirmed that Myles was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 1, the same day Live 5 reached out for comment.
The district released a statement that reads in part:
“This decision was made in accordance with district policies and procedures following information received on that date.
DDTwo places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We are committed to maintaining a professional and accountable workforce, and we uphold high standards of conduct for all employees.
As this is a personnel matter, the district is unable to provide further details at this time. We remain committed to maintaining a positive and productive learning environment for our students and staff.”