LAURENS, S.C. — A man ran over another man in a courthouse parking lot and then fatally shot him after a child visitation hearing in South Carolina, authorities said.
Stephen Andrew White, 32, is charged with murder after the killing Monday afternoon outside the Laurens County courthouse, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Erin Lee Thomas, 34, was taken to a hospital by helicopter but died a short time later, investigators said in the statement posted on social media.
No one else at the courthouse was injured and White was immediately arrested.
Family Court records show Thomas was the plaintiff and White the defendant in a child custody or visitation case Monday. Additional details were not available.
Court records did not indicate if White had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf. He is being held in jail without bond.
A tragic incident occurred outside a courthouse in a small town yesterday, as a man was fatally shot following a custody hearing. According to deputies on the scene, the shooting took place shortly after the man exited the courthouse, where he had just attended a hearing regarding custody of his children.
The details surrounding the shooting are still unclear, but witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing the man fall to the ground. Deputies quickly responded to the scene and attempted to provide medical assistance, but unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a hospital.
The shooting has left the community in shock and disbelief, as incidents of violence outside courthouses are rare in this quiet town. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and authorities are working diligently to gather more information and identify any potential suspects.
Custody hearings can be emotionally charged and stressful situations for all parties involved, as they often involve difficult decisions regarding the care and well-being of children. It is important for individuals to seek support and resources to navigate these challenging circumstances in a healthy and constructive manner.
In light of this tragic event, courthouse security measures may be reevaluated to ensure the safety of all individuals who enter and exit the building. It is crucial for authorities to take proactive steps to prevent violence and protect the well-being of those who utilize the court system.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this senseless act of violence. As the investigation continues, we hope that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
