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Fatal Shooting in Clinton Leads to Arrest

Police lights flashing in a small town following a shooting incident

Clinton SC, October 4, 2025

News Summary

A fatal shooting in Clinton, South Carolina, resulted in the death of 69-year-old Rufford Jones. Police arrested 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, who has been charged with murder and other offenses. Authorities believe the incident is isolated. In a related concern, a boil water advisory is in effect for certain areas of Clinton following maintenance work. Residents are urged to boil water before consumption.

Clinton

A fatal shooting occurred in Clinton, South Carolina, late Tuesday night, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old man. The Clinton Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the incident, who has been charged with murder and other offenses.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene on Florence Street after multiple reports of gunfire were received at approximately 11:17 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, identified as Rufford Jones, lying in the roadway with gunshot wounds. Immediate medical assistance was rendered on-site, and he was subsequently transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect, identified as Vincent Marc Viner, age 34, was apprehended 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 detained at Johnson Detention Center and is awaiting a scheduled bond hearing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting local authorities with the investigation.

Authorities have stated that they believe this incident to be isolated, assuring the community there is no ongoing threat. The investigation into the details surrounding the shooting is still underway.

Boil Water Advisory in Effect

In addition to the shooting incident, a boil water advisory has been issued for certain areas of Clinton following maintenance work on the water line. The advisory was announced by the city on Tuesday evening and is a precautionary measure, as no issues were reported during the system upgrade.

The advisory affects specific locations in the city, and residents are urged to boil water for at least one full minute before consuming it or using it for cooking. Furthermore, ice made from unboiled water should not be used for drinking during the advisory period. City officials anticipate that the boil water advisory will be lifted by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Conclusion

As law enforcement continues to investigate the shooting and maintain public safety, residents are also advised to stay informed regarding the boil water advisory to ensure their health and safety.

FAQ

What happened in Clinton, South Carolina?

A fatal shooting occurred on Florence Street late Tuesday night, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old man.

Who was the victim?

The victim has been identified as 69-year-old Rufford Jones.

Who is the suspect?

The suspect is 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner, who has been charged with murder.

What charges has the suspect faced?

Viner has been charged with murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Is there an ongoing threat to the community?

Authorities believe the incident is isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

What are the details of the boil water advisory?

A boil water advisory is in effect for specific areas of Clinton, and residents are advised to boil water for at least one full minute before drinking or cooking.

When will the boil water advisory be lifted?

The advisory is expected to be lifted by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Key Features Overview

Feature Details
Incident Type Fatal Shooting
Victim’s Age 69 years
Victim’s Name Rufford Jones
Suspect’s Age 34 years
Suspect’s Name Vincent Marc Viner
Charges Filed Murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Boil Water Advisory In effect for specific areas, lift expected by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE CLINTON
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.

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