June 26, 2025

Tragic Fatal Shootings Rock Laurens County Community

News Summary

Laurens County is reeling from two separate fatal shootings, leading to arrests and raising concerns about gun violence and domestic issues. The first incident involved a teenager charged with murder, while the second case includes a suspect already detained. Local authorities are focusing on community safety and violence prevention as investigations continue.

Laurens County, South Carolina

Two separate fatal shootings in Laurens County have resulted in arrests and left the community in shock. In the first incident, 17-year-old Kavonte Cunningham has been charged with the murder of 40-year-old Brandon Xavier Gadsden, following a shooting that took place on Wednesday morning in a parking area off West Corporate Drive. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reported that the shooting occurred around 6:30 a.m., leading to Cunningham’s arrest approximately 12 hours later, at 7 p.m. on the same day.

In the second incident, the Clinton Police Department arrested 34-year-old Vincent Marc Viner for murder in a shooting that occurred late Tuesday night. Emergency responders found Rufford Jones, 69, lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds in the 300 block of Florence Street just after 11 p.m. Jones was transported to a local hospital but unfortunately passed away from his injuries.

Authorities reported that Viner was detained at the scene of the crime and is currently held at the Johnson Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing. The investigation into Viner’s shooting remains ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

A separate case unfolded in downtown Laurens, where 40-year-old Justin Sherman Allen died after a shooting at Plan Home Health Care on East Public Square on Tuesday afternoon. Allen was identified as a suspect and was the individual found deceased at the scene following an altercation. An additional victim, who had previously been married to Allen, was also involved in the incident and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where their condition is currently listed as stable.

Authorities reported that the shooting was connected to a domestic violence situation between Allen and the other individual. Notably, Allen had been released on bond earlier that day after facing charges related to domestic violence involving the same victim.

Community Impact

The recent incidents of gun violence have raised concerns within the community regarding safety and the prevalence of domestic violence. Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Clinton Police Department are both working diligently to address these tragedies and provide support to impacted families.

Previous Violence and Domestic Issues

These shootings highlight a disturbing trend of increasing gun violence, particularly connected to domestic issues. The cases involving Allen and his prior domestic violence arrest serve as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding such incidents and the need for effective intervention resources.

As the investigation into these shootings continues, authorities are urging community members to engage in conversations surrounding violence prevention and to utilize available resources if they or someone they know is facing domestic issues.

Both the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Clinton Police Department are committed to ensuring justice is served in these cases, with law enforcement encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigations progress.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER 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.