Clinton, SC, August 25, 2025
News Summary
A tragic shooting in Clinton, SC, resulted in the death of 69-year-old Rufford Jones late Tuesday night. The suspect, Vincent Marc Viner, has been arrested and charged with murder. The incident occurred around 11:17 p.m. on Florence Street. Authorities are continuing their investigation with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as the community grapples with the impact of this violent event.
Clinton, SC – A shooting incident late Tuesday night claimed the life of a 69-year-old man in Clinton, South Carolina. The shooting occurred on Florence Street at approximately 11:17 p.m., prompting local police to respond swiftly to the scene.
Officers arriving at the location found Rufford Jones suffering from gunshot wounds lying in the roadway. Immediate medical attention was provided, and he was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, Jones later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The suspect accused of the crime has been identified as Vincent Marc Viner, a 34-year-old resident of Clinton. Viner was detained at the scene by law enforcement officers. Following his arrest, he was charged with murder and is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center. He is awaiting a bond hearing, although details regarding when this hearing will occur had not been disclosed as of the latest reports.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) providing assistance in processing the crime scene. Authorities are working to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting and any potential motives.
This tragic event has shocked the local community, and many are grappling with the implications of such violence occurring in their town. Overall, the situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and crime within the area.
Background on the Incident
Shooting incidents have been a growing concern across the country, and Clinton, a small town known for its tight-knit community, is no stranger to such challenges. Over the past few years, there have been intermittent reports of violent crimes, prompting community leaders and law enforcement to engage in discussions about safety measures and prevention strategies.
The management of local police has reiterated their commitment to maintaining safety and order within Clinton, assuring residents that incidents of violence are taken very seriously. In response to this shooting, additional patrols and community outreach programs may be implemented to address public concerns and support community healing.
Key Details
- Incident Type: Shooting
- Victim: Rufford Jones, 69
- Suspect: Vincent Marc Viner, 34
- Date: Late Tuesday night
- Location: Florence Street, Clinton, SC
- Charges: Murder
- Investigation Assistance: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Conclusion
As this investigation unfolds, the community of Clinton will undoubtedly seek closure and justice for Rufford Jones and his family. Authorities encourage anyone with further information regarding the incident to reach out to local law enforcement.
FAQ Section
FAQ
What happened in Clinton, SC?
A shooting occurred late Tuesday night, resulting in the death of 69-year-old Rufford Jones.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect is 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, who has been charged with murder.
Where was the shooting located?
The incident took place on Florence Street in Clinton, South Carolina.
What is the current status of the suspect?
Vincent Marc Viner is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center and awaiting a bond hearing.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting with the crime scene investigation.
Chart of Key Features
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Shooting |
| Victim | Rufford Jones, 69 |
| Suspect | Vincent Marc Viner, 34 |
| Date of Incident | Late Tuesday night |
| Location | Florence Street, Clinton, SC |
| Charges | Murder |
| Assistance for Investigation | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Jake Rasor Obituary
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- My Clinton News: Death Investigation in Lydia Mill
- Google Search: Clinton SC Shooting
- Crime and Cask: Unsolved Murders of Teens in Clinton SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Live 5 News: Missing 18-Year-Old Found Dead
- Google News: Laurens County Crime
- Post and Courier: Laurens County Development
- Google Scholar: Crime in 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.
