May 29, 2025
Suspect Arrested Following Anonymous Tip
The Laurens County Crime Stoppers Board would like to report that an anonymous tip led to the 5/19/2025 arrest of Manuel Eugene Cunningham, Jr. who was wanted for the following charges:
-Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature
-Possession of a Firearm by Person Convicted of Certain Crimes
-Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle
-Pointing and Presenting a Firearm
-Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
This arrest highlights the vital role that community members play in promoting public safety. Thanks to the bravery of an individual who came forward with crucial information, law enforcement was able to locate and apprehend the suspect.
The anonymous tipster has been rewarded with an undisclosed cash amount for their assistance. Crime Stoppers remains committed to ensuring the confidentiality of all tips, providing a secure way for residents to share information without fear of retaliation.
We would like to remind the public that tips leading to an arrest can result in a cash reward. If you have information about criminal activity, we encourage you to contact Laurens County Crime Stoppers. You can do this by calling 864-68-CRIME (864-682-7463) or by visiting our website at www.p3tips.com. Working together, we can help make our community safer.
SEPARATE INCIDENTS:
2 dead - The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office issued this statement: “On 5/27/2025 at approximately 9 p.m., deputies responded to an address in the 5000 block of Highway 418 in Fountain Inn in reference to conducting a welfare check on residents.
“Upon arrival, deputies discovered the two individuals deceased inside a camper. There is no danger to the public and this was an isolated incident. Our prayers are with the family members of those involved.”
The Coroner’s Office said, “Earlier today (May 28), the Laurens County sheriff’s office released information relating to a welfare check. Two individuals were deceased at the incident location. The Laurens County Coroner responded. Autopsy findings indicate that the deaths were the results of a homicide/Suicide incident. The deceased have been identified as Tamara Bowling, 46-year-old female from Ft Inn, and Roy Lawyer, 54-year-old male from Ft Inn. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”
SHOOTING - The Laurens Police Department has released this statement: “At approximately 5:57 p.m., officers with the Laurens Police Department were notified of a disturbance involving a group of teenagers who had entered Wendy’s and were reportedly arguing with a crew member. “The complainant stated that the crew member went outside after the group.
“Officers arrived on scene at 6:06 PM and spoke with the complainant, who then reported that a shooting incident had occurred. A description of the suspect and their vehicle was provided to responding officers.
“At approximately 6:16 p.m., officers located a suspect matching the description in the area of Holmes Street. Upon contact, the suspect fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was apprehended without further incident.
“This incident appears to have been between two individuals, and there is no reason to believe the public is in any danger. The suspect is a juvenile, and no identifying information will be released in accordance with state law. The Laurens Police Department continues to investigate all aspects of the incident. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
UPDATE:
FATALITY - The Laurens County Coroner’s Office issued this statement, “Per Laurens County Coroner Patti Canupp, on 5/25/2025, shortly before 2 p.m., Chief Deputy Coroner Ashley Rushton responded to the area of Cannon Rd and Sulpher Springs Rd in Waterloo in reference to a vehicle vs tree. The driver of the vehicle was the sole occupant and was pronounced deceased at the scene and has been identified as 87-year-old male, James Goff of Waterloo, SC. The incident is being investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Laurens County Coroner’s Office. No further details are available at this time.”
