News Summary
An appeals court has upheld a 50-year sentence for Breante Deon Stevens, convicted for his involvement in a mass shooting at Ole Skool nightclub in Lancaster, South Carolina. The shooting, which occurred during a gathering in 2019, resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. Stevens has been denied parole eligibility, reinforcing the seriousness of his actions. Despite his appeal arguing for a separate trial regarding prior violent crimes, the court maintained that his rights were not compromised during the original trial, ensuring community safety remains a priority.
Lancaster, South Carolina – An appeals court has upheld a 50-year sentence for Breante Deon Stevens, who was convicted for his role in a mass shooting at the Ole Skool nightclub in 2019, which claimed two lives and injured eight others. This decision was announced six years after the tragic event, solidifying the legal repercussions for Stevens, now 36 years old.
The mass shooting occurred on September 21, 2019, during a gathering at the nightclub, marking the worst instance of gun violence in Lancaster County’s history. During the 2021 trial, a jury found Stevens guilty of voluntary manslaughter and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Specifically, Judge Brian Gibbons imposed a sentence of 30 years for the manslaughter charge and an additional 20 years for the assault charge, which are the maximum penalties permitted under state law.
In the appeal, Stevens contended that his previous conviction for a violent crime should have been examined in a separate trial. He argued that introducing this information to the jury suggested a predisposition for violence. However, the South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that his right to a fair trial was not compromised. The court highlighted that during the trial, Stevens acknowledged being aware of his illegal possession of a firearm, further complicating his defense.
The horrific shooting led to the deaths of Henry Lee Colvin, 29, and Aaron Harris, 28. Following the incident, law enforcement launched a manhunt for Stevens, who was ultimately captured in Florida and extradited back to South Carolina to face charges.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors pursued multiple counts against Stevens, including two counts of murder and several counts of attempted murder, while Stevens’ defense claimed he acted in self-defense amid a chaotic situation where multiple individuals were firing guns inside the club. The case attracted significant attention, with both national and international coverage highlighting the severe implications of the event.
Law enforcement officials, including Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile, expressed satisfaction with the appeals court’s ruling, underscoring the importance of ensuring community safety in light of such violent acts. Similarly, Deputy Solicitor Melissa McGinnis emphasized that the upheld sentence reflects the severity of Stevens’ actions and aims to enhance public safety.
Due to the nature of his convictions, Stevens is not eligible for parole, and his sentence extends until 2062 according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Stevens was represented during his appeal by attorney David Alexander, while Montrio Belton defended him during the initial trial. Prior to the trial, Belton had sought to have the firearm charges severed from the manslaughter and assault charges, a request that was ultimately denied by Judge Gibbons.
Stevens retains the right to further appeal his case to the South Carolina Supreme Court, should he choose to pursue that route. This ruling serves as a crucial step in the judicial process following a case that deeply affected the Lancaster community and raised ongoing concerns about violence in nightlife settings.
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