News Summary
A tragic shooting incident in Clinton resulted in the death of 69-year-old Rufford Jones on Florence Street. A 34-year-old suspect, Vincent Marc Viner, has been arrested and faces multiple charges including murder. The police discovered Jones with gunshot wounds after responding to reports of gunfire on Tuesday night. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which is believed to be an isolated incident. The community is in shock, grappling with the sudden violence in their normally peaceful neighborhood.
Clinton – A tragic shooting incident late Tuesday night led to the death of a 69-year-old man, prompting the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect. The victim, identified as Rufford Jones, was found with multiple gunshot wounds on Florence Street around 11:17 p.m. and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officers from the Clinton Police Department responded promptly after receiving multiple reports of gunshots at 304 Florence Street. Upon arrival, they discovered Jones lying in the roadway, where they provided immediate medical assistance before he was transported to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jones’s identity as well as the cause of death through their investigation. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting local authorities with the ongoing crime scene investigation. Despite the violent nature of this incident, police have indicated that they believe it to be an isolated event and have assured the community that there is no ongoing threat.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragic incident, examining factors that may have contributed to the altercation. As investigations are ongoing, they will look into the relationship between Jones and Viner, as well as any possible motives behind the shooting.
This incident is particularly shocking for the Clinton community, which is known for its calm and close-knit atmosphere. Residents are left grappling with the sudden loss and the questions surrounding the motivations for such violence in their neighborhood.
Curtailing the rise of violence will require an ongoing commitment from local law enforcement as they work alongside community leaders to ensure that proactive measures are taken to maintain public safety. As this investigation unfolds, the community and authorities alike are hopeful for answers that can help restore a sense of normalcy in the wake of this tragedy.
As updates become available, the Clinton Police Department is committed to keeping the public informed about the investigation’s progress, ensuring transparency and an ongoing dialogue with community members.
The city of Clinton remains a community focused on healing, justice, and the prevention of future incidents like this one. The tragic loss of Rufford Jones serves as a reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of community support during such trying times.
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Additional Resources
- My Clinton News: Murder Charge Against Kevonte Cunningham
- GoLaurens: One Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Clinton
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged After Gunshot Victim Found Lying in Road
- Post and Courier: Rural Hospitals and Maternity Care in SC
- WSPA: 1 Dead, 1 Arrested After Shooting in Laurens Co.
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.
