News Summary
Clinton, South Carolina is facing serious concerns following two separate fatal shootings within a 24-hour period. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is conducting investigations into the fatalities of two men, one aged 40 and the other 69, with suspects in custody for both incidents. Community members are urged to assist in the investigations as police heighten efforts for crime prevention and safety.
Clinton, South Carolina is currently the focus of investigations into two separate fatal shootings that occurred within the same 24 hours. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed details surrounding both incidents, one of which led to an arrest on the same day while the other suspect remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.
The first shooting took place on Wednesday morning, June 4, 2025, around 6:30 a.m. on West Corporate Center Drive. Authorities responded to reports of gunfire and discovered a 40-year-old man named Brandon Xavier Gadsden from Newberry suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Gadsden was found in the parking area of Millers Fork Trail and was pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old suspect named Kavonte Cunningham from Cross Hill was arrested later that evening at approximately 7 p.m.. Cunningham faces serious charges, including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
In a separate incident only hours later, another shooting occurred on Florence Street on the same day, around 11:17 p.m.. Police responded to multiple reports of gunfire and discovered a 69-year-old man, identified as Rufford Jones, lying in the roadway with critical injuries from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel were dispatched promptly, and Jones was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The suspect involved in Jones’ shooting was identified as 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, who was detained at the scene by responding officers. Viner has been charged with murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently housed at the Johnson Detention Center, where he awaits a scheduled bond hearing.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called in to assist with the crime scene investigation regarding the shooting of Rufford Jones. Officials have indicated that they view the second incident as isolated and do not believe that there is an ongoing threat to the safety of the community.
These tragic events have raised concerns within the local community, with many residents urging for actions to be taken to enhance safety measures. Both cases underline the ongoing issue of gun violence within various neighborhoods. Following these incidents, law enforcement officials are likely to increase community engagement efforts aimed at crime prevention and awareness.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate both shootings, and officials are seeking information from the public to aid in their inquiries. Community members are encouraged to report any relevant information that could assist in ensuring justice is served.
As investigations remain active, further updates are anticipated as law enforcement proceeds in both cases. The community stands united in hope for justice for the families of the victims while advocating for a reduction in gun violence.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Teen Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
- GoLaurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Google Search: Clinton South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found Lying in Road Laurens Co
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Rural Hospitals Maternity Care SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
