News Summary
In a tragic incident, a 17-year-old has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Brandon Gadsden in Clinton, SC. The shooting occurred early in the morning on June 4, with authorities responding quickly to the scene. Despite medical efforts, Gadsden succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, Kevonte Cunningham, was arrested later that day and is being charged as an adult. This case comes amid concerns over gun violence in the community, as related incidents on the same day have also raised alarms among residents.
Clinton, SC – A 17-year-old has been charged with murder following a deadly shooting incident that occurred early in the morning of June 4. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victim, identified as 40-year-old Brandon Xavier Gadsden from Newberry, sustained life-threatening injuries and later died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting incident was reported shortly after 6:30 a.m. at a parking area located on West Corporate Center Drive near Millers Fork Trail. Gadsden was discovered at the scene and, despite immediate medical assistance, succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The investigation led authorities to arrest the suspect, 17-year-old Kevonte Cunningham from Cross Hill, later that same day around 7 p.m.
Cunningham faces serious charges, including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Although he is a minor, law enforcement has decided to charge him as an adult. A bond hearing was conducted on Thursday afternoon, where Cunningham was denied bail. The Sheriff’s Office has expressed condolences to the family of Gadsden and has praised the prompt investigative efforts that resulted in Cunningham’s arrest.
Investigations and Safety Measures
The Clinton Police Department assisted in the investigation regarding Gadsden’s murder. Sheriff Don Reynolds emphasized the importance of community safety and swift law enforcement response in such critical incidents. Authorities have not released further information about possible motives or additional suspects in this case.
Related Incidents
This incident is not isolated, as a separate shooting occurred during a graduation party in Laurens County on the same day, where another 17-year-old was found with gunshot wounds. This incident took place at 306 East Carolina Avenue, where approximately 200 people were in attendance. The injured individual was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital and then transferred to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
In a different case, another homicide took place in Clinton when officers responded to multiple gunshot reports on Florence Street around 11:17 p.m. on a Tuesday night. They found 69-year-old Rufford Jones lying in the roadway with sustaining injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, Jones was pronounced dead after being transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital. The suspect in this case, 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, was apprehended at the scene and faces charges of murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Viner is currently held at Johnson Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have reassured the community that the investigation into the shooting incidents is ongoing, which also involves the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). While the shooting that led to Jones’s death is believed to be an isolated incident and poses no ongoing threat to community safety, the incidents have nevertheless stirred concern among residents.
The recent string of violent occurrences highlights the pressing issue of gun violence in local communities and the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these cases and urge anyone with further information to come forward.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Laurens Co. Deputies Investigating Death in Clinton
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WYFF4: Death Investigation in Laurens County
- Google Search: Gun Violence in South Carolina
- Go Laurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Prevention
- WYFF4: Teen Shot at Graduation Party in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Post and Courier: Rural Hospitals and Maternity Care in SC
- Google News: Gun Violence in Clinton South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, 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 Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. 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.
