Clinton, SC, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Clinton, South Carolina is grappling with a boil water advisory while investigating two separate murders. The advisory follows utility upgrades and serves as a precaution for residents. In one incident, a 69-year-old man was shot and later died, leading to the arrest of a suspect. In another case, a 59-year-old deceased man was discovered, and his roommate has been charged with murder. Local authorities affirm ongoing investigations pose no threat to public safety.
Clinton, SC: Community Faces Dual Tragedies Amid Water Crisis
A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Clinton, South Carolina, as the city grapples with the fallout from two separate murders. The advisory was announced by the city on Tuesday evening following recent utility upgrades to the water line. The advisory is precautionary in nature; the city’s Public Works & Utilities Department reported no issues during the upgrades. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one full minute before drinking or cooking, and to avoid using ice made from unboiled water. The advisory will likely be lifted by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
In tandem with this public advisory, the Clinton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred late Tuesday night. Police received reports of gunfire around 11:17 p.m. on Florence Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, 69-year-old Rufford Jones, suffering from gunshot wounds in the roadway. He was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A suspect, identified as 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, was detained at the scene and subsequently charged with murder. Viner is currently held at Johnson Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting in the ongoing crime scene investigation.
In a separate incident, officers responded to 119 Popular Street on Wednesday for a welfare check. During this check, they found another deceased individual, identified as 59-year-old Hector Luis Santos Cartagena. The investigation indicates that Cartagena was murdered, and his roommate, Stephen Kristopher Brown, age 23, has been arrested. Brown faces charges including murder, weapon possession, and desecration of human remains, and is also awaiting a bond hearing at Johnson Detention Center.
Public Safety and Investigation Status
As both murder investigations unfold, authorities stress that there is currently no known threat to the general public. The Clinton Police Department has urged anyone with information about either case to come forward and contact them directly or reach out to Laurens County Crime Stoppers.
Water Advisory Details
The boil water advisory issued for parts of Clinton is a precautionary measure following the utility upgrades. Residents in affected areas are reminded to boil water used for drinking and cooking to ensure safety. Officials are working diligently to resolve the advisory as quickly as possible.
Summary of Incidents
The incidents reported in Clinton have raised community concerns, and local police agencies are keen on keeping the public informed. As the investigations proceed, officials aim to assure the community of their commitment to safety and transparency.
Next Steps
As investigations into both murders continue, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Updates can be expected as both police and public works departments address these critical issues affecting the residents of Clinton.
FAQ Section
What is the boil water advisory in Clinton, SC?
A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Clinton, South Carolina, as a precaution following water line work. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one full minute before drinking or cooking.
What happened in Clinton on Tuesday night?
The Clinton Police Department reported one person dead after a shooting late Tuesday night. The victim, identified as 69-year-old Rufford Jones, was shot and later died at the hospital.
Who has been arrested in connection with the murders?
In the shooting of Rufford Jones, 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner has been detained and charged with murder. Additionally, 23-year-old Stephen Kristopher Brown has been arrested for the murder of Hector Luis Santos Cartagena.
Is there any threat to public safety in Clinton?
Authorities have stated that there is no known threat to the public as both murder investigations are ongoing.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Boil Water Advisory in Clinton, SC
- Wikipedia: Boil Water Advisories
- My Clinton News: Death Investigation in Lydia Mill
- Google Search: Clinton SC Shooting Incidents
- GoLaurens: Clinton Police Investigate Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Crime Investigations
- My Clinton News: Murder Charge for Kevonte Cunningham
- Google News: Clinton South Carolina News
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.
