Authorities are considering the shooting death of a man and the wounding of a woman, who was airlifted for treatment, a case of domestic violence.
The Tuesday incident drives home the point that South Carolina is ranked second highest in the nation for the rate of women murdered by men, having previously ranked in the top ten for the past twelve years, and that no community is exempt.
Despite the fact that the shooting happened on the Laurens Downtown Square, city official insisted that the city is safe, 4 days before the city’s Christmas Tree-lighting just a few yards and around a corner from the shooting scene - an apartment above the business, Plan Home Health Care.
Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn posted, “If you see signs or hear threats of domestic violence against someone you know, please, don’t ignore them - say something!
“If you are a victim of domestic violence yourself, know that you are not alone. There so many people in this community whose passion in life is to care for those in need. Help is available and ready to make sure you are safe, from law enforcement to the Safe Home. Please, reach out!
“And, if you are experiencing feelings which may or have led to violence, help is available for you too. There is no shame in finding healthy ways to avoid violence.”
Authorities said the man who allegedly committed the attempted murder had been released by a magistrate on a cash bond on a domestic violence allegation the same day.
The shooting scene is three blocks from the Laurens Police Department, and one block over from City Hall.
The suspect apparently parked his vehicle in an alley that has a finance company drive-through, beside the large Coca-Cola mural in downtown Laurens. A dance studio next door made sure to tell its clients that the business was not involved.
The shooting incident was reported about 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The person who died was identified Wednesday as Justin Sherman Allen, 40, of Laurens County, who died by suicide.
The person who was wounded and airlifted for treatment was not identified, and the federal law HIPAA** prohibits a hospital from releasing detailed information about a person receiving treatment.
Authorities said Allen allegedly fired shots that wounded the woman and killed himself. Divorce was involved, according to Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland.
Copeland said in a TV interview that officers went upstairs from the business and found the two people shot.
Later information indicated that Allen had gunshot wounds that appeared to be self-inflicted, and two guns were found. He reportedly bonded out of jail last Tuesday on a charge of 2nd degree criminal domestic violence, after an arrest last Monday. The woman, also shot, who reportedly worked at Plan Home Health Care, was said to be in stable condition.
They had been divorced for 2 years, the report said.
Another report said the woman was found in another room, and she had gunshot wounds but was able to talk to first responders.
The crime with which Allen was charged, Domestic Violence 2nd degree, is a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not less than $2,500 and not more than $5,000 or no more than 3 years in jail, or both. In some cases, people convicted of domestic violence cannot legally own or possess a firearm in South Carolina.
This was the second shooting death at or near a public place in Laurens this year. In August, a man was shot to death in the parking lot of the Hillcrest Square courthouse, reportedly after a Family Court hearing. The victim was identified as Erin Lee Thomas of Woodruff, and the suspect was identified as Stephen Andrew White of Laurens.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly rammed his vehicle into the victim, then shot the victim, who was airlifted for treatment and later died.
The Laurens County Safe Home website says that, nationwide, domestic violence costs $5.8 Billion per year (medical and lost productivity).
The Laurens County Safe Home is a non-profit agency that serves victims of domestic violence in Abbeville, Laurens and Saluda Counties. Safe Home provides 24-hour services for victims of domestic violence; its mission is to provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence to find comfort, peace, acceptance, and support while they are rebuilding shattered lives.
THE SAFE HOME
P. O. Box 744 Clinton, SC 29325
Phone: (864) 682-7270
Toll Free: (866) 598-5932
Fax: (864) 683-3670
Courthouse Office: (864) 681-7233
**HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
South Carolina's Domestic Violence law here.
Laurens Police release a statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Laurens Police Department Responds to Domestic Violence Incident Leading to Death.
Laurens, S.C. - On December 3, 2024, at approximately 2:03 PM, the City of Laurens Police Department responded to reports of a shooting on E. Public Square. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the incident stemmed from domestic violence between two individuals who were previously married.
The male suspect, identified as Justin Sherman Allen, 40, of Laurens County, was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when police arrived on the scene. Two firearms were located near his body. The female victim, whose name is being withheld to protect her privacy, was found in a neighboring room with gunshot wounds. She was conscious and able to communicate with first responders throughout the incident. She was airlifted to a hospital and is currently in stable condition.
It was later determined that Allen had been arrested on December 2nd for domestic violence (second degree) by the Laurens County Sheriff's Office and was released on December 3rd on bond.
Chief Heath Copeland emphasized, "This was isolated incident between two individuals who were known to each other. There is no ongoing threat to the public. Domestic violence is a devastating reality, and we must work together as a community to support victims, speak up against abuse, and prevent these tragedies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this heartbreaking event. If you are a victim, know that help is available and you are not alone."
The City of Laurens Police Department is committed to working with the community to prevent future tragedies of this nature. Additional support and resources are available for victims through local law enforcement agencies, South Carolina Department of Mental Health, South Carolina Department of Social Services, local non-profit agencies like Laurens County Safe Home. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE {7233).
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