North Augusta Teen Set to Graduate Charged with Shooting Dad

A North Augusta teenager was supposed to be attending his high school graduation soon, but he's in custody instead, charged with shooting his father earlier this week.

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office says 18-year-old Jaydon McGirt allegedly shot his 37-year-old father in the leg late Wednesday night at the family's home on Walsh Way in the The Rapids neighborhood.

The victim, whose name has not been released, is reported to be in critical condition at Augusta University Medical Center.

A woman who called police said she was there helping to clean the home when she heard gunshots.  She found the victim in a pool of blood drifting in and out of consciousness.  She told investigators McGirt was holding a handgun and told her, "I can't deal with him anymore."

An incident report says public safety officials have been called to the home for domestic disputes in the past.

McGirt reportedly left the home on foot after the shooting, but was found by police a short time later.  McGirt was taken into custody and charged with Attempted Murder.  He told officials he was supposed to have attended practice for his high school graduation on Thursday.