Crime News | Post and Courier - Charleston, SC (2024)

Table of Contents
Crime Dorchester PAWS evacuates animal shelter ahead of Tropical Storm Debby 'Someone will die here': SC's juvenile justice centers face weapons, violence, staff turnover Bar Local 616 sued for over serving woman who died, injured 2 in Ravenel Bridge crash Lowcountry US Army member who groomed girls, recorded child p*rn on Discord sentenced to prison North Charleston man arrested in pedestrian hit-and-run at Leeds and Dorchester Lexington Medical Center patient injured in officer-involved shooting These are the 6 inmates SC could execute next after state Supreme Court ruling 42-year-old man hit and killed in Goose Creek; officers investigating Authorities ID Columbia man killed in shooting at auto body shop. 1 person has been arrested. Man arrested in Georgia in connection to downtown Charleston shooting North Charleston man sentenced to 10 years in 17-year-old's sexual assault Police want DNA of man charged in Morrison Drive hit-and-runs. His attorney says it's not relevant. Summerville man arrested and charged in Ladson drive-by shooting Leader of Beaufort Co.'s African village stabbed to death by family member, police say Stall Road in North Charleston open after single-vehicle collision downed power lines Former Charleston County deputy accused of reckless homicide in collision seeks trial delay A Florence deputy shot and killed a suspect. Months later, he's been charged with domestic violence. Jury in 'Black Swan Murder Trial' finds Ashley Benefield is guilty, but on a lesser charge Ronjanae Smith's family pleaded for justice amid statewide case backlog Suspect in custody after stabbing death in Beaufort County's African village Man arrested, granted bond for sexual assault at West Ashley Planet Fitness Man responsible for teen's fatal shooting will spend more than 4 decades behind bars Charleston County deputies responded to a car crash. They found an 18-year-old shot to death. Beaufort Co. human trafficking investigation expands as three more arrests made Summerville police charge man with firing at SWAT team Charleston man found dead in Maine plane crash Sex trafficking in North Charleston motels is an open secret. Here’s why they can’t be held to account. Charleston Animal Society granted custody of 17 of 23 seized hound dogs CCSO investigating 18-year-old woman fatally shot on Wadmalaw Island Former ballet dancer who killed her Charleston husband is on trial amid claim of self-defense Girlfriend of Brittanee Drexel's killer reaches plea deal, admits to lying to FBI Fallen tree closes Chisolm Road near Sunny Brook Drive on Johns Island Left lane of Interstate 526 E closed near North Rhett Avenue An AI-powered attorney? SC man accused of posing as lawyer may have used tech for filings. After hourlong Uber ride ferried SC preteen to rapist's house, families demand child safeguards 2 men face federal charges in theft of more than 150 guns from Florence's Palmetto State Armory 4 injured after Beaufort County gun violence bleeds into the morning South Carolina man who used bear spray on police during Jan. 6 rioting gets 3 years in prison 26-year-old man arrested in June fatal shooting that killed 1 on Charleston's peninsula 64-year-old cyclist hit and killed; Mount Pleasant police investigating Morrison Drive to get new pedestrian improvements after 2 women killed in April Bluffton man sentenced on charges related to Jan. 6 Capitol breach Charleston police say driver accused in hit-and-run drank at unlicensed Sweet Grass Vodka lounge Driver kills 1, injures 2 pedestrians in Berkeley County collision Civil lawsuits against Summerville gun distributor moves to SC federal court 911 call that resulted in Park Circle police shooting brings more questions than answers 'A real busy day': 3 shootings in 24 hours highlight North Charleston's gun violence Man wanted for shooting at police in Georgia arrested in Columbia after standoff One man is arrested for burglary and a West Ashley police trainee is on paid leave. Who fired the shots? Greenville shelter employee stabbed with sword by homeless woman, deputies say North Charleston public works employee fatally shot on the job. Here's what we know. Court balks at Confederate flag defense in plea from cheating husband who shot wife 2 men spent a night drinking in Charleston bars; both later ran over same 2 women, cop says 1 man dead after slow-speed chase in Charleston ended in suicide FAQs References

Crime

News

Dorchester PAWS evacuates animal shelter ahead of Tropical Storm Debby

  • By Alan Hovorkaahovorka@postandcourier.com

Dorchester PAWS evacuated all of its cats and dogs in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby's arrival. Debby is expected to bring historic rainfall to the region.

+14

'Someone will die here': SC's juvenile justice centers face weapons, violence, staff turnover

  • By Caitlin Ashworthcashworth@postandcourier.com

South Carolina's holding centers for juvenile offenders have been plagued with violence and unsafe conditions, a problem made worse by persistent overcrowding and understaffing.

Bar Local 616 sued for over serving woman who died, injured 2 in Ravenel Bridge crash

  • By James Pauljpaul@postandcourier.com

A woman sued the owner of popular bar Local 616 after she was "catastrophically injured" after she contends the bar over-served a woman moments before a head-on collision on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in 2021.

Lowcountry US Army member who groomed girls, recorded child p*rn on Discord sentenced to prison

  • By Alan Hovorkaahovorka@postandcourier.com

A former Army soldier from Goose Creek will spend 20 years in prison after recording young girls performing sexual acts online. Federal prosecutors contend Evan Bucci, 23, psychologically abused the girls and groomed them so they would record themselves for him.

North Charleston man arrested in pedestrian hit-and-run at Leeds and Dorchester

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com

North Charleston Police arrested 27-year-old Mario Gene Williams in connection to a hit-and-run at Leeds Avenue and Dorchester Road that left a 63-year-old man critically injured.

Lexington Medical Center patient injured in officer-involved shooting

  • Sydney Dunlap sdunlap@postandcourier.com

A patient was injured in an officer-involved shooting at Lexington Medical Center on Aug. 2.No employees were harmed, and the patient suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

These are the 6 inmates SC could execute next after state Supreme Court ruling

  • By Tiffany Tanttan@postandcourier.com

Of the 32 men on South Carolina's death row,these six have exhausted all their main avenues for appealing their sentences.

42-year-old man hit and killed in Goose Creek; officers investigating

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

A man was struck and killed by a vehicle in Goose Creek on the morning of Aug. 1. No criminal charges have been filed as the Goose Creek Police Department continues investigating.

Authorities ID Columbia man killed in shooting at auto body shop. 1 person has been arrested.

  • Sydney Dunlap sdunlap@postandcourier.com

A Columbia man was found dead at a local body shop after a verbal altercation the night prior turned deadly. The suspect escaped by vehicle before being spotted and arrested on July 31.

Man arrested in Georgia in connection to downtown Charleston shooting

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com

U.S. Marshals arrested 30-year-old Ryan D’Lorenzo Lewis of Charleston in Decatur, Ga., in connection with a July 5 shooting at the Bridgeview Apartments in downtown Charleston that left one dead and two injured.

North Charleston man sentenced to 10 years in 17-year-old's sexual assault

  • By Alan Hovorkaahovorka@postandcourier.com

A three-day trial for a man accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a birthday party on Easter weekend 2020 ended in a conviction and the maximum sentence.

Police want DNA of man charged in Morrison Drive hit-and-runs. His attorney says it's not relevant.

  • By Kailey Cota kcota@postandcourier.com

Two weeks after a judge determined there is probable cause two men contributed to the deaths of 20-year-olds Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber in April 28 hit-and-runs on Morrison Drive, police are asking for DNA of one of the defendants.

Summerville man arrested and charged in Ladson drive-by shooting

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com

A Summerville man, 23-year-old Demontae Jones, was arrested on Aug. 1 and charged with four counts of attempted murder after a drive-by shooting in Ladson that occurred the day before.

Leader of Beaufort Co.'s African village stabbed to death by family member, police say

  • By Tony Kukulichtkukulich@postandcourier.com

The victim of a stabbing that happened in Beaufort County's Oyotunji African Village has been identified as the village's leader, Adegbolu Abiogemo Adefunmi. The assailant has been confirmed as Adefunmi's sister.

Stall Road in North Charleston open after single-vehicle collision downed power lines

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

A portion of Stall Road is closed due to a vehicle collision and downed power lines.

Former Charleston County deputy accused of reckless homicide in collision seeks trial delay

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

Former Charleston County sheriff's deputy Jason Barry is asking for a continuance, possibly delaying the trial. He has been indicted on reckless homicide and was scheduled to stand trial next month, more than four years after he was involved in fatal crash.

A Florence deputy shot and killed a suspect. Months later, he's been charged with domestic violence.

  • By Seth Taylor and G.E. Hinsonstaylor@postandcourier.comghinson@postandcourier.com

A Florence County deputy shot and killed a suspect in May. Months after being placed on leave, he's been charged with domestic violence and fired from law enforcement.

+3

Jury in 'Black Swan Murder Trial' finds Ashley Benefield is guilty, but on a lesser charge

  • By Adam Parkeraparker@postandcourier.com

Former ballet dancer Ashley Benefield, on trial for second-degree murder in Manatee County, Fla., was found guilty on July 30 of the lesser charge of manslaughter in the 2020 killing of her husband Doug Benefield.

Ronjanae Smith's family pleaded for justice amid statewide case backlog

  • By James Pauljpaul@postandcourier.com

Malachi Wigfall will remain in jail indefinitely while he waits for a trial or plea deal for the 2021 gang-related shooting that injured 14 people in the crossfire, killing 14-year-oldRonjanae Smith.

Suspect in custody after stabbing death in Beaufort County's African village

  • By Tony Kukulichtkukulich@postandcourier.com

A suspect is in custody after a reported stabbing at the Oyotunji African Village in Sheldon. The victim was transported to an area hospital but later died of his injuries.

Man arrested, granted bond for sexual assault at West Ashley Planet Fitness

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

A man was arrested in relation to an alleged sexual assault at a West Ashley Planet Fitness. He was released on a $5,000 bond.

Man responsible for teen's fatal shooting will spend more than 4 decades behind bars

  • By Alan Hovorkaahovorka@postandcourier.com

Circuit Court Judge William McMastersentenced Courtney Charles Richards, 21,to 45 years in prison for the murder of Javon Thomas, 18. Thomas died in 2022.

Charleston County deputies responded to a car crash. They found an 18-year-old shot to death.

  • By Kailey Cota kcota@postandcourier.com

18-year-oldThaao Stevens from Summerville was shot to death in Lincolnville on July 25.

Beaufort Co. human trafficking investigation expands as three more arrests made

  • By Tony Kukulichtkukulich@postandcourier.com

SLED announced the arrest of three suspects in Beaufort County alleged to haveharbored an escaped convict. The escapee, Jaquan Barnes, had been detained on human trafficking charges.

Summerville police charge man with firing at SWAT team

  • Staff reports

Summerville police charged a man with attempted murder July 26 for allegedly shooting at SWAT team members.

Charleston man found dead in Maine plane crash

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com

Michael Leibowitz, a 71-year-old Charleston native, was killed July 25 when a plane he was flying crashed at an airport in the coastal town of Trenton, Maine.

Sex trafficking in North Charleston motels is an open secret. Here’s why they can’t be held to account.

  • By James Pauljpaul@postandcourier.com

By one estimate, the city has a sex-trade that rivals that of Miami and New York, but law enforcement has no way to go after the North Charleston motels that facilitate it, according to a former U.S. attorney.

+2

Charleston Animal Society granted custody of 17 of 23 seized hound dogs

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

The defendant obtained custody of five dogs after 23 were seized by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office on July 11. The remaining dogs are in care of the Charleston Animal Society, which is arranging for their adoptions and fostering.

CCSO investigating 18-year-old woman fatally shot on Wadmalaw Island

  • By Kailey Cota kcota@postandcourier.com

An 18-year-old woman was shot to death on Wadmalaw Island. Here's what to know.

+5

Former ballet dancer who killed her Charleston husband is on trial amid claim of self-defense

  • By Adam Parkeraparker@postandcourier.com

Ashley Benefield and her husband, Doug Benefield, started the American National Ballet, which was based in Charleston. But lack of funding ensured the project was short-lived. Behind the scenes, the Benefields were in trouble.

Girlfriend of Brittanee Drexel's killer reaches plea deal, admits to lying to FBI

  • By Nicole Ziegenziege@postandcourier.com

The girlfriend of Brittanee Drexel's killer,Raymond Moody, has admitted to lying to federal investigators and could serve up to a decade in prison for those crimes, according to court records filed this week.

Fallen tree closes Chisolm Road near Sunny Brook Drive on Johns Island

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

A fallen tree prompted a road closure on Chisolm Road near Sunny Brook Drive on Johns Island. The roadway will be closed for an extended period of time.

+2

Left lane of Interstate 526 E closed near North Rhett Avenue

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

Crash slowing traffic on Interstate 526 and I26

An AI-powered attorney? SC man accused of posing as lawyer may have used tech for filings.

  • By David Ferraradferrara@postandcourier.com

In a contempt hearing, an Oconee County judge said that Nathan Chambers, charged with impersonating a lawyer, might have used AI technology to write his filings.

After hourlong Uber ride ferried SC preteen to rapist's house, families demand child safeguards

  • By Matthew Hensleymhensley@postandcourier.com

After grooming a 12-year-old York County girl on social media, a since-convicted North Carolina man had Uber bring her and a friend across the state line to his house so he could rape her, a lawsuit against the ride-hailing behemoth alleges.

2 men face federal charges in theft of more than 150 guns from Florence's Palmetto State Armory

  • By G.E. Hinsonghinson@postandcourier.com

A federal grand jury charged two men in connection to a May robbery at Palmetto State Armory. One of the men led police on a cross-county chase and barricaded himself in an apartment.

4 injured after Beaufort County gun violence bleeds into the morning

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating two overnight shootings that left four people injured. It is unclear whether the shootings were related.

South Carolina man who used bear spray on police during Jan. 6 rioting gets 3 years in prison

  • By David Ferraradferrara@postandcourier.com

A South Carolina man who admitted to spraying a line of officers with bear spray as rioters breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, will spend time in prison.

26-year-old man arrested in June fatal shooting that killed 1 on Charleston's peninsula

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com

A 26-year-old Walterboro man was arrested in connection to the fatal shooting near a playground on South Street. The arrest comes after over a month of investigation by Charleston police.

64-year-old cyclist hit and killed; Mount Pleasant police investigating

  • By Caitlin Bellcabell@postandcourier.com
  • Updated

A bicyclist was struck and killed near the intersection of Ben Sawyer Boulevard and Rife Range Road on July 21. No charges have been filed.

+5

Morrison Drive to get new pedestrian improvements after 2 women killed in April

  • By Kailey Cota kcota@postandcourier.com
  • Updated

Changes are coming to Morrison Drive less than three months after two pedestrians were run over while walking alongside the road.

Bluffton man sentenced on charges related to Jan. 6 Capitol breach

  • By Tony Kukulichtkukulich@postandcourier.com

Tyler Bradley Dykes, a 26-year-old Bluffton resident, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Charleston police say driver accused in hit-and-run drank at unlicensed Sweet Grass Vodka lounge

  • By Teri Errico Griffis and Kailey Cota tegriffis@postandcourier.com kcota@postandcourier.com

Police shared that one of the drivers in the April 28 hit-and-run on Morrison Drive drank beforehand at Sweet Grass Vodka, but questions swirl how if the owner, Jarrod Swanger, didn't have a liquor license.

Driver kills 1, injures 2 pedestrians in Berkeley County collision

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com
  • Updated

An adult was killed and two juveniles were injured when they were struck by a truck along Forty-One Road in Berkeley County on July 19. SCHP is investigating.

Civil lawsuits against Summerville gun distributor moves to SC federal court

  • By Komlavi Adissemkadissem@postandcourier.com

The two lawsuits allege American Tactical and other defendants were negligent for their marketing, sale and distribution of high-capacity magazines.

6:29+4

911 call that resulted in Park Circle police shooting brings more questions than answers

  • By Alan Hovorkaahovorka@postandcourier.com

Within two minutes of police arriving to a reported assault in Park Circle, Charleston drummer Quentin Ravenel had been shot multiple times from front and behind.

'A real busy day': 3 shootings in 24 hours highlight North Charleston's gun violence

  • By James Pauljpaul@postandcourier.com

While violent crime overall in North Charleston has declined, three shootings in less than 24 hours on July 18 highlight the area's stubborn murder and assault rate.

Man wanted for shooting at police in Georgia arrested in Columbia after standoff

  • By Caitlin Ashworthcashworth@postandcourier.com

A 39-year-old man fled to South Carolina after he allegedly attempted to shoot a police officer in Georgia.

One man is arrested for burglary and a West Ashley police trainee is on paid leave. Who fired the shots?

  • By James Pauljpaul@postandcourier.com

A Charleston police trainee was placed on paid administrative leave after firing his gun during an arrest at the West Ashley Apartment Complex. The man who prompted the call was arrested for first degree burglary.

Greenville shelter employee stabbed with sword by homeless woman, deputies say

  • By David Ferraradferrara@postandcourier.com

Deputies say a homeless woman stabbed a Miracle Hill employee with a sword at one of its emergency shelters.

+2

North Charleston public works employee fatally shot on the job. Here's what we know.

  • By Sandy Hodsonshodson@postandcourier.com
  • Updated

A North Charleston public works employee was shot to death on the job the morning of July 18.

Court balks at Confederate flag defense in plea from cheating husband who shot wife

  • By Matthew Hensleymhensley@postandcourier.com

A cheating husband who staged a carjacking after shooting his wife won't get a new trial, an appellate court ruled July 17.

+7

2 men spent a night drinking in Charleston bars; both later ran over same 2 women, cop says

  • By Kailey Cota kcota@postandcourier.com

Both men charged in the April 28 hit-and-run deaths of Arianna Gamber and Lizzy Zito had a preliminary hearing on July 17.

1 man dead after slow-speed chase in Charleston ended in suicide

  • By James Pauljpaul@postandcourier.com

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a low-speed pursuit ended in apparent suicide yesterday.Southbound traffic past Parkers Ferry Road was rerouted for hours, causing delays.

Crime News | Post and Courier - Charleston, SC (2024)

FAQs

What is the main newspaper in Charleston, SC? ›

The Post and Courier, South Carolina's largest newspaper and the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ›

According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, Charleston had a 111.5 index or 11% higher than the national average. The average cost of living in Charleston SC is $2086. For a breakdown use this cost of living calculator to view Charleston South Carolina's living index.

What is the oldest newspaper in Charleston SC? ›

Published in Charleston, the Post and Courier is the oldest daily newspaper in South Carolina. The publication's lineage can be traced through three newspapers. The oldest, the Charleston Courier, began publication on January 10, 1803. It was founded by Massachusetts native Aaron Smith Willington and several partners.

Who owns Charleston Post and Courier? ›

It is the flagship newspaper of Evening Post Industries, which in turn is owned by the Manigault family of Charleston, descendants of Peter Manigault. It is the largest newspaper in South Carolina, followed by Columbia's The State and The Greenville News.

What is a good salary in Charleston? ›

The median salary in Charleston, SC is $57,110, with 80% of salaries falling between $30,944 and $130,500. Salaries in Charleston, SC are generally below the national average.

Why is Charleston SC so wealthy? ›

The city grew wealthy through the export of rice and, later, sea island cotton and it was the base for many wealthy merchants and landowners.

What is the safest part of Charleston SC? ›

Mount Pleasant. Located right across the Cooper River Bridge, Mount Pleasant is a perfect place for families and young professionals. It is also conveniently located next to Ilse of Palms and Sullivans Island. Even with its large, and growing, population, it is one of the safest areas in Charleston.

What city has the worst crime rate in South Carolina? ›

Orangeburg is South Carolina's most dangerous city for 2023, according to an analysis by Southwest Journal, based on FBI statistics. West Columbia was ranked 10th. Author Michael Rivera said he has spent some time in South Carolina and sees an underbelly beyond nature preserves, beach vacations and NASCAR racing.

Is North Charleston getting safer? ›

For the first three months of 2024, violent crime has decreased by 3 percent, and non-violent crime has dropped by 7%, according to the North Charleston Police Department.

Is Charleston a friendly city? ›

But Charleston isn't the only friendly city in the South. It was joined at the top of the list by Savannah, Georgia, at the No. 2 spot, followed by Greenville, South Carolina; New Orleans; and Nashville, Tennessee; rounding out the top five.

What is the major newspaper in South Carolina? ›

South Carolina News & Charleston SC News. Post and Courier.

What media outlets are in Charleston SC? ›

Local newspapers in Charleston include The Post and Courier, the Charleston City Paper, The Charleston Chronicle, the Charleston Regional Business Journal, The Catholic Miscellany, and the Island Eye News.

Is the Charleston City paper free? ›

Independent, local and free since 1997, the Charleston City Paper offers award-winning news coverage that helps readers to better understand the communities in which they live.

Who owns the Charleston Gazette newspaper? ›

The Charleston Gazette-Mail is a non-daily morning newspaper in Charleston, West Virginia. It is the product of a July 2015 merger between The Charleston Gazette and the Charleston Daily Mail. It is one of nine papers owned by HD Media.

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