Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drive-By Shooting That Killed 6-Year-Old Boy: 'They Shot My Baby' By Liam Quinn

A South Carolina man pleaded guilty to murder in connection with a 2022 drive-by shooting that left a 6-year-old boy dead.

Michael Thomas Lloyd pleaded guilty to murder on Oct. 14 and was sentenced to life in prison, according to Orangeburg County, S.C., court records.

Two other defendants in the case, Jeremiah Harley and Ethan Anderson, previously pleaded guilty to murder in 2024 and were sentenced to life in prison.

WLTX, citing prosecutors, reported that in May 2022, at least 21 bullets were fired into a home in North, S.C.

As the shots were fired, 6-year-old Winston Hunter was lying on the couch watching TV, the outlet reported. He was struck in the head and wrist and pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutors said Lloyd admitted to opening fire on the home along with the other defendants, claiming he believed a drug dealer lived at the home, according to WLTX.

Officials revealed horrifying details from the subsequent 911 call reporting the incident, according to ABC 4.

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“They shot my baby,” someone screamed on the call, ABC 4 reported.

“Save my brother,” Winston’s 12-year-old brother reportedly said during the 911 call.

Winston’s mother, Courtney Hunter, spoke during Lloyd’s sentencing hearing, according to WLTX.

“We’ll never be able to spend time or make memories with him again,” she said.