Laurens, SC, September 30, 2025
News Summary
In Laurens, South Carolina, three juveniles have been arrested following a shooting on Church Street. The incident, which resulted in charges of attempted murder and assault against the suspects, highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the area. Meanwhile, a separate shooting in Clinton left one victim dead and another injured during a graduation party. Local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.
Laurens, SC – Three juveniles have been arrested in relation to a shooting that occurred on Church Street on Wednesday morning. The incident took place around 11 a.m. at 900 Church Street, as confirmed by Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland.
During the shooting, a vehicle with three occupants was struck by gunfire. As a result of the investigation, the juveniles have been charged with:
- Attempted Murder
- Two counts of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature
- Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
- Discharging into an Occupied Vehicle
Chief Copeland indicated that this was an isolated incident involving familiar parties, meaning there is no immediate threat to the public.
In a separate violent episode in Clinton, SC, one person was fatally shot late Tuesday night. Police responded to reports of several gunshots on Florence Street around 11:17 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found 69-year-old Rufford Jones lying in the roadway with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. Viner is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center, pending a bond hearing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has assisted in the investigation of the crime scene.
Adding to the concern over gun violence in the region, a 17-year-old male was also shot during a graduation party in Laurens County on Saturday night. The celebration, attended by approximately 200 individuals, was taking place at 306 East Carolina Avenue. Clinton police were responding to an unrelated incident nearby when they noticed a commotion. Officers heard multiple gunshots and discovered the teenager with a gunshot wound on Owens Street. A vehicle in the vicinity showed signs of multiple bullet impacts. The victim was initially taken to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital and later transferred to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
Local law enforcement authorities encourage anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the Clinton Police Department at 864-833-7512 or Laurens County Crime Stoppers at 864-68-CRIME, or via email at [email protected].
Summary of Recent Shootings in Laurens and Clinton
- Church Street Shooting: Three juveniles arrested; isolated incident.
- Clinton Shooting: Rufford Jones fatally shot; Vincent Marc Viner charged with murder.
- Graduation Party Shooting: 17-year-old male injured; in stable condition.
FAQ
- What happened on Church Street?
- Three juveniles were arrested on Wednesday related to a shooting incident on Church Street.
- What charges were the juveniles facing?
- The juveniles have been charged with Attempted Murder, two counts of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, and Discharging into an Occupied Vehicle.
- What occurred in Clinton, SC?
- In Clinton, SC, one person was reported dead after a shooting late Tuesday night.
- Who was the victim in the Clinton shooting?
- The victim was identified as 69-year-old Rufford Jones.
- What is known about the 17-year-old shot at the graduation party?
- A 17-year-old male was found shot during a graduation party attended by about 200 people, and he is in stable condition after being treated.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Death of 18-Year-Old in Greenwood, South Carolina
Clinton Area Reports Recent Arrests and Weather Forecast
Presbyterian College Football Team Extends Winning Streak
Murder Investigation Underway in Clinton, S.C.
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg Counties
Stephanie Squires Achieves President’s List Honors
Laurens County High School Football Showdowns Ahead
Laurens County Sees Series of Arrests with Various Charges
Additional Resources
- Church Street Shooting: Three Juveniles Arrested
- Teen Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Police: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found Lying in Road
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Teen Shot at Graduation Party in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
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.
