S.C. Fort Mill.Investigators concluded that a ride-share driver used a stun gun to shoot a passenger who attacked him in self-defense, leading to the conclusion that no charges were brought in connection with the deadly confrontation at a Motel 6 on Carowinds Boulevard in Fort Mill.
Shooting Occurred Just After 3 A.M.
Following allegations of a shooting at the motel, the York County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene at 3:32 a.m. on July 27. Deputies discovered that Kendale Richardson Williams, 39, of North Carolina, had been shot when they arrived. At the scene, he was declared dead.
The unnamed driver stayed on the scene and provided investigators with complete cooperation. At first, he was held pending additional investigation.
Investigators Say the Passenger Was the Aggressor
Authorities concluded that Williams was the original aggressor in the altercation after obtaining evidence and analyzing security footage. The York County Sheriff’s Office claims that Williams had requested transportation to the Motel 6. He allegedly tried to strangle the driver after using a stun pistol on him when he arrived, still inside the car.
The driver pulled out a gun he was legally carrying in reaction to the abrupt and brutal attack, and he shot Williams. Later, investigators verified that the shooting happened completely inside the car.
Driver Acted in Self-Defense, Officials Say
The results were reported to the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office by the sheriff’s office in accordance with policy. After determining that the ride-share driver behaved in reasonable self-defense during the potentially fatal assault, prosecutors decided not to press charges.
Following the announcement of the solicitor’s ruling, deputies confirmed that this was an obvious case of self-defense.
Community Reaction and Broader Context
Discussions over ride-share safety and the particular dangers drivers face when picking up unidentified customers have been spurred by the case. Some residents of Fort Mill have demanded that ride-share employees have more safeguards and more transparent safety procedures, particularly at night.
As ride-sharing platforms continue to gain traction, especially in smaller cities, some have expressed worries about passenger screening and mental health issues.
Although the case has been concluded, authorities nevertheless urge drivers and ride-share passengers to report any suspicious activity or dangerous interactions.
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