Thursday, June 20, 2013

Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Man gets 40 years for murder over dance floor bump
Posted: 03.08.2013 at 5:11 PM
0
A 27-year-old Orangeburg man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing a man who bumped into him on the dance floor of a Calhoun County nightclub.  / MGN
Photo

ST. MATTHEWS, S.C. (AP) -- A 27-year-old Orangeburg man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing a man who bumped into him on the dance floor of a Calhoun County nightclub.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports that a jury found David Benjamin guilty Thursday of murder.

Authorities say 23-year-old Dominique Lawton was shot in the head in September 2011 outside the Piggy Park nightclub near Elloree.

A judge sentenced 26-year-old Josh Haggood to seven years in prison as part of a plea deal after he testified against Benjamin.

A third defendant, 27-year-old Kevin Frasier, is awaiting trial. Prosecutors say he fired his gun in the air several times, which started the gunbattle that killed Lawton.

Investigators found more than a dozen shell casings in the club's parking lot.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Arrest made in 'vicious beating' of teens in Richland County
WACH Fox News Center  |  Tuesday, June 18, 2013  |  1 comment
Thumbnail
Cops: SC homeowner shoots, kills alleged intruder
Yesterday at 3:50 PM  |  2 comments
Thumbnail
Infant killed in crash - driver charged with felony DUI
Tyler Ryan  |  Yesterday at 2:20 PM
Follow Midlands Connect
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
MoneyWACH
Financial tips & tricks from Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union
Mission Midlands
A program from the Oliver Gospel Mission
MOJO Gallery
View and share your pictures from around the Midlands
ADVERTISEMENT