News Summary
An appeals court has confirmed the 50-year prison sentence of Breante Deon Stevens for his involvement in the 2019 Ole Skool nightclub mass shooting in Lancaster, South Carolina. The tragic event resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries, leading to Stevens’ conviction on charges including voluntary manslaughter. Despite his claims of self-defense and objections to evidence of his prior convictions, the court maintained that his rights were upheld during the trial. The ruling emphasizes the ongoing issue of gun violence and enhances community safety with Stevens in prison.
Lancaster, South Carolina – An appeals court has upheld the 50-year sentence of Breante Deon Stevens for his role in the deadly 2019 Ole Skool nightclub mass shooting that left two people dead and injured eight others. The South Carolina Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the convictions, reinforcing the consequences of the shooting, which marked a tragic milestone as the worst mass shooting in Lancaster County’s history.
The mass shooting occurred on September 21, 2019, when gunfire erupted during an event at the Ole Skool nightclub. Victims Henry Lee Colvin, 29, and Aaron Harris, 28, were killed in the attack. Judge Brian Gibbons of the S.C. Circuit Court sentenced Stevens to a total of 50 years in prison: 30 years for voluntary manslaughter and an additional 20 years for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Furthermore, he was convicted of possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a violent offense. The judge imposed the maximum sentences permissible under South Carolina law.
Stevens, now 36 years old, contested his convictions, arguing in his appeal that the jury should not have been informed of his prior conviction for firearm possession, which he claimed suggested a propensity for violence. However, the appeals court found no violation of his right to a fair trial, noting that he acknowledged his awareness of illegally possessing a firearm during the trial. The prosecution also conceded his prior violent crime conviction, making it a valid piece of evidence in the case.
The shooting reignited concerns about community safety and the prevalence of gun violence. Following the incident, law enforcement launched a national manhunt for Stevens, who was eventually apprehended in Florida and extradited back to South Carolina. During his trial, Stevens claimed he acted in self-defense amidst crossfire, although prosecutors sought convictions on two counts of murder and other attempts to harm based on the evidence presented over a two-week period.
In light of the appeals court’s decision, Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile expressed satisfaction, stating that the ruling contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in the region. Additionally, Deputy Solicitor Melissa McGinnis remarked that the community is undoubtedly safer with Stevens incarcerated, underscoring the thorough evaluation conducted by the jury.
Stevens is not eligible for parole, meaning his sentence will last until 2062, according to records from the S.C. Department of Corrections. His legal representation during the appeals process was provided by attorney David Alexander from the S.C. Commission on Indigent Defense. Previously, Montrio Belton defended him during the initial trial, wherein a request to separate the firearm possession charge from the case was denied by Judge Gibbons.
Stevens retains the option to seek a review of his case by the South Carolina Supreme Court, although the appeals court’s decision solidifies his convictions and lengthy prison sentence for his actions and their devastating consequences. The court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the impact of gun violence on communities and the judicial system’s role in addressing such grave offenses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Appeals Court Upholds Sentence in Ole Skool Nightclub Shooting
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Hindustan Times
- WBTV
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lancaster South Carolina
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