News Summary
In Clinton, South Carolina, a 17-year-old suspect has been charged with murder following a shooting that left 40-year-old Brandon Gadsden dead. Another shooting incident occurred a week later, resulting in the death of 69-year-old Rufford Jones. The local sheriff praised law enforcement’s quick response. Both cases raise concerns about gun violence in the community as authorities continue their investigations to ensure local safety.
Clinton, SC: Two Fatal Shootings Lead to Arrests
A 17-year-old from Cross Hill has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting incident in Clinton, South Carolina. The incident, which left one man dead, occurred on June 4 around 6:30 a.m. in the vicinity of West Corporate Center Drive. The victim, 40-year-old Brandon Xavier Gadsden from Newberry, was shot in the parking area of Millers Fork Trail and later died from his injuries.
The suspect, Kevonte Cunningham, has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. As Cunningham is underage, he is still being charged as an adult. He was apprehended around 7 p.m. on the same day as the shooting. During a hearing on Thursday afternoon, Cunningham was denied bond.
In a related matter, Sheriff Don Reynolds expressed his condolences to Gadsden’s family and commended law enforcement for the rapid investigation leading to Cunningham’s arrest.
Second Fatal Shooting Incident
A second fatal shooting occurred just over a week later, on June 15, at around 11:17 p.m. Officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots at 304 Florence Street in Clinton. Upon arrival, they discovered 69-year-old Rufford Jones with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the roadway. Immediate medical support was provided, but Jones succumbed to his injuries at Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital.
The suspect in this case, Vincent Marc Viner, aged 34, has been charged with murder, breach of peace aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Viner is currently being held at Johnson Detention Center, where he awaits a bond hearing.
Community Impact and Investigative Support
Deputy Coroner Jim Black confirmed the nature of Jones’s injuries as multiple gunshot wounds. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been involved in the investigation of the shooting incident related to Jones. Law enforcement officials have reported that this incident is considered isolated, with no ongoing threat to public safety in the community.
Context of Violence in the Area
The incidents of gun violence in Clinton reflect a concerning trend within the region. The deaths of Gadsden and Jones raise important questions about safety and the prevalence of firearms in local conflicts. Community members have expressed their shock and mourning following the sudden loss of life tied to these incidents.
Local authorities continue to investigate both shootings thoroughly to ensure justice is served and to prevent future occurrences of such violence. The Clinton community has rallied in support of the victims’ families while seeking measures to enhance safety and security in public spaces.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Investigation into Death in Clinton
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
- GoLaurens: Arrest After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Google Search: Fatal Shootings in Clinton SC
- WSPA: Teen Arrested in Connection to Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WYFF4: Death Investigation Underway in Laurens County
- Google News: Clinton SC Shootings