LAURINBURG –Two twin brothers who were thought to be victims of a drive-by shooting last month were arrested this week in connection of the killing of a Dillion, South Carolina man.
The 18-year-old twin, Tylik Shyhiem Johnson and Malik Tahiem Johnson, both of Wilmington Street, were arrested by Laurinburg police Thursday night in the shooting death of Phillip Miles, 40, of Melon Drive in Dillon, according to Patrol Capt. Terry Chavis.
Authorities said the shooting occurred at a house on Melon Drive near German Town Place Road at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 19.
The Johnson brothers were tied to the shooting during the course of the investigation.
“This incident occurred at the victim’s residence. Some type altercation happened resulting in the victim being killed. The motive is yet to be determined,” said Capt. Cliff Arnette of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office. “[The Johnsons] were implicated by evidence, witness information and other information learned during the investigation.”
It is not known if the shooting was gang related.
Following the shooting, the two returned to Laurinburg and later went to Scotland Memorial for treatment, according to officials.
At 5:30 Sunday morning, Laurinburg police were called to the hospital concerning two gunshot victims, Chavis said.
The brothers told police that they had been walking along Anne Street when a Burgundy Chevrolet Malibu drove by and shot at them.
“These guys reported that they were shot here and through investigation we found no signs that they were shot here,” Chavis said. “Through investigation on Dillon’s part we found that they were shot in Dillon.”
Tylik Johnson was shot in the upper arm.
Malik Johnson had a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Johnson was alert and responsive at Scotland Memorial, and both were taken to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, according to Chavis.
The two are former students at Scotland High School.
Facebook reaction to the news of the arrests ranged from disbelief to regret on Friday.
“Sad to see stuff like this.” said Ta’niya Hailey. “This was our year; y’all was supposed to be walking that stage 2018, wish y’all would’ve kept y’all heads on straight.”
Arnette said the two teenagers did not appear to have a criminal record in South Carolina.
Tylik Johnson was arrested for possession of stolen good which was later dismissed, according to Chavis.
Tylik Johnson and Malik Johnson are currently being held at the Scotland County Detention Center awaiting an extradition hearing to determine when they will be brought to Dillon, according to Arnette.