News Summary
Clinton, SC is grappling with a surge in gun violence following two tragic incidents that resulted in fatalities. The local authorities are intensifying efforts to combat this disturbing trend. The first incident involved the murder of 69-year-old Rufford Jones, while the second related to the body of 18-year-old MyAngel Walker being discovered after she was reported missing. Arrests have been made in both cases, highlighting the urgent need for community safety and effective law enforcement response.
Clinton, SC is experiencing a concerning rise in gun violence following two tragic incidents in recent days that resulted in fatalities and prompted local authorities to intensify their efforts in combating this alarming trend.
On Tuesday night, around 11:17 PM, law enforcement responded to multiple reports of gunfire on Florence Street. Upon arrival at 304 Florence Street, officers from the Clinton Police Department discovered a victim, identified as 69-year-old Rufford Jones, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical assistance from officers and Laurens County EMS, Jones was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The suspect in this incident, 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, was detained at the scene and has been charged with murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Viner is currently held at Johnson Detention Center and awaits a bond hearing. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Jones died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation into this shooting is supported by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and is believed to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the community.
In a separate but equally tragic incident, 18-year-old MyAngel Walker was reported missing by her family, who grew concerned after she did not show up for work. A collaborative investigation among law enforcement eventually led to the discovery of Walker’s body inside a vehicle near McKenzie Road in Greenwood County.
Authorities arrested 19-year-old Malachi Pressley, charging him with the murder of Walker. Investigations reveal that Pressley allegedly shot Walker on December 11 between 10 PM and 11 PM on Gary Street in Clinton. Furthermore, 19-year-old Taylor Kinard was arrested as an accessory after the fact for assisting Pressley in disposing of Walker’s body. Both subjects were denied bond during a hearing held on Saturday morning.
Walker, who had recently graduated from high school and aspired to be a nurse, leaves her family devastated. The Laurens Police Chief has extended condolences and underscored the urgent need for justice for Walker’s family. The investigation remains active, with police conducting interviews and collecting evidence. Community members with information regarding Walker’s case or the recent shooting are encouraged to reach out to the Clinton Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Background on Rising Gun Violence
Within the past few weeks, Clinton has witnessed an uptick in gun-related incidents, raising alarm among residents and officials alike. The frequency of such violent occurrences has prompted law enforcement agencies to work closely with state-level authorities to address the escalating issue of gun violence in this small community.
As both investigations progress, the law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families, while proactively seeking ways to enhance community safety as the potential for further incidents looms. The collaboration of local and state entities exemplifies a united front against the troubling rise in violence, aiming to restore a sense of safety and security within the community.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community involvement in reporting any suspicious activities or information that might help in resolving these cases and preventing future occurrences.
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Additional Resources
- GoLaurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Fox Carolina: Police Update on Clinton Woman’s Disappearance
- CountOn2: Man Shoots Ex-Wife, Kills Himself in Laurens
- KNOP News: Missing 18-Year-Old Found Dead, Two Arrested
- My Clinton News: New Company Opens in Clinton
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Google Search: Gun Violence Trends
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Clinton SC News
