July 8, 2025

Tragic Incidents in Clinton Leave Community Mourning

News Summary

Over the weekend in Clinton, a tragic boating collision on Lake Greenwood resulted in two fatalities, alongside a separate shooting incident that shocked the community. The boating crash involved two boats, with charges filed against one operator. Simultaneously, a shooting on Florence Street took the life of a 69-year-old man, with a suspect arrested at the scene. Law enforcement investigations are ongoing, as the community copes with the violence and loss.

Clinton, SC – A tragic boating collision on Lake Greenwood and a separate shooting incident in Clinton resulted in the loss of life and left the community in shock over the weekend. The two incidents occurred on July 8, 2025, affecting several families and prompting law enforcement investigations.

At approximately 1:42 AM, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) reported a collision between two boats that left two individuals dead and two others injured. According to SCDNR officials, an Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat, which had two people on board. The collision happened while SCDNR officers were conducting safety operations on the water and noted that the Yamaha was operating without proper navigation lights.

As officers prepared to initiate a stop on the Yamaha, the boats collided. SCDNR officers witnessed the incident and immediately provided life-saving assistance at the scene. Tragically, two passengers from the Alumacraft died at the scene. A female passenger was ejected from the boat but suffered no serious injuries. Another passenger was transported to the hospital and was later released.

The Laurens County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased victims as Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, both residents of Laurens, SC. In connection with the incident, Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, age 37, has been arrested and charged with two counts of Felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI). The investigation into the boating collision is ongoing, and SCDNR is leading the inquiry.

In a separate incident the same day, the Clinton Police Department responded to reports of multiple gunshots on Florence Street at around 11:17 PM. Upon arrival, officers discovered Rufford Jones, aged 69, suffering from gunshot wounds in the roadway. Emergency responders transported Jones to Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect in the shooting, Vincent Marc Viner, aged 34, was detained at the scene and arrested. Viner is facing several serious charges, including murder, breach of peace-aggravated in nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held at the Johnson Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.

The Laurens County Coroner’s Office reported that Jones had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting with the crime scene investigation. Authorities believe that the shooting is an isolated incident and indicated there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Both incidents have left residents in Clinton and the surrounding areas mourning the loss of two individuals from the boating collision and grappling with the violence of the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations as they seek to bring clarity and justice to these tragic events.

Community members are encouraged to participate in discussions about safety and crime prevention in light of the recent occurrences, as officials work to address public concerns and ensure safety in Clinton and surrounding areas.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

12-Year-Old Girl Injured in Shark Attack on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Fatal Accidents Rock South Carolina
Multiple Arrests Made Following Vehicle and Drug Seizures in Laurens County
Fatal Boating Collision on Lake Greenwood Leaves Two Dead
Tragic Developments in Esparto Fireworks Warehouse Explosion
Local Umpire Dies from Heat Stroke at Softball Tournament
Fatal Shooting Claims Life of 69-Year-Old in Clinton, SC
Murder Charges Filed After Fatal Shooting in Clinton, SC
Major Health Care Fraud Charges in South Carolina
Shooting at Graduation Party in Clinton Injures Teen

Additional Resources

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.