News Summary
A 17-year-old male has been arrested in Clinton, SC, following a fatal shooting incident that left 40-year-old Brandon Xavier Gadsden dead. The shooting took place early in the morning, and authorities later apprehended the suspect, Kevonte Cunningham, on murder charges. A second shooting incident was reported the same day, resulting in another fatality. Investigations are ongoing, and police assure the community of their safety.
Clinton, SC – Teen Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting
A 17-year-old male, identified as Kevonte Cunningham from Cross Hill, was arrested on the evening of June 4, 2025, following a fatal shooting that took place earlier that morning in Clinton, South Carolina. Cunningham is facing serious charges, including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
The shooting incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of West Corporate Center Drive and Highway 72 East. Authorities found a victim, later identified as 40-year-old Brandon Xavier Gadsden from Newberry, at the scene. Despite efforts to assist him, Gadsden succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
According to investigators, Gadsden was reportedly shot in the parking area of Millers Fork Trail. Cunningham was apprehended by law enforcement at around 7 p.m. the same day. The local police department is continuing to gather evidence in this case.
In a separate incident occurring later the same day, around 11:17 p.m., another shooting took place on Florence Street in Clinton. Officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots at the residence located at 304 Florence Street. Upon arrival, they discovered a victim, 69-year-old Rufford Jones, lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds.
Jones was immediately transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The suspect involved in this second shooting has been identified as 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, who was detained at the scene. Viner has been charged with murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing.
The investigations into both shootings are being managed by the Laurens County Coroner’s Office, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for the crime scene analysis. Law enforcement officials have stated that they believe both shootings are isolated incidents and affirm that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Community members are urged to remain vigilant but assured that police are actively working to ensure the safety of residents as these investigations unfold.
As investigations continue, local authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding both incidents in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Teen Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- GoLaurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- WYFF4: Death Investigation Underway in Laurens County
- Google Search: Clinton South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found in Laurens Co.
- Wikipedia: Bullying in the United States
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.
