July 17, 2025

Shooting in Clinton Leaves One Dead, Suspect Charged

News Summary

A late-night shooting on Florence Street in Clinton has resulted in the death of 69-year-old Rufford Jones. Suspect Vincent Marc Viner, 34, is charged with murder and is currently held at the Johnson Detention Center. The police responded to multiple gunfire reports, and the investigation continues with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Community members express their shock as local authorities emphasize the importance of public vigilance against gun violence.

Clinton, SC – A shooting late Tuesday night on Florence Street has left one person dead and a suspect charged with murder. Police responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the area at approximately 11:17 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered a victim suffering from gunshot wounds lying in the roadway.

The victim has been identified as 69-year-old Rufford Jones. Emergency medical services transported him to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The alleged shooter, 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, was detained at the scene by law enforcement. He has since been arrested and charged with murder. Viner is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center while awaiting a scheduled bond hearing.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which is working on the crime scene investigation.

In a related incident on the same night, authorities from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office are looking into a separate death that occurred on West Corporate Center Drive. Details regarding this incident have not yet been disclosed.

This tragic event in Clinton marks a significant and increasing concern regarding gun violence in local communities. As authorities continue with their investigations, they urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in resolving these cases.

Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of community engagement and vigilance to prevent further incidents while ensuring the safety of residents. The local community is reeling from the impact of this violent occurrence, with many residents expressing their shock and sorrow over the loss of life.

Meanwhile, discussions surrounding gun control and community safety are expected to intensify as officials call for renewed efforts to combat crime and provide necessary support to affected families.

As investigations proceed, the focus remains on bringing to justice those responsible for acts of violence while providing closure for the families involved.

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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.