A 34-year-old Bowman, South Carolina man has been arrested and charged in the stabbing death of his significant other. He is currently being charged with murder after police were called to a Branchville home to find the body of a 34-year-old woman.
The man is also being charged with animal cruelty; however, the details of that incident have not been released. Further, it has not been disclosed whether the man has retained the attorney.
Murder is the most serious crime that can be committed in South Carolina. There are various degrees one can be charged with, and it is essential that one understands the charges that can be brought against him or her. The following degrees of murder constitute what is recognized in the state of South Carolina:
– First Degree Murder
- This is committed with intent and malice aforethought (prior intent to kill). In order to receive a conviction for first degree murder, the prosecutor must prove premeditation and intent.
– Second Degree Murder
- This involves intent, but is not planned. The key for first degree murder is premeditation.
– Third Degree Murder
- Must be committed spontaneously and the offender is under extreme emotional stress at the time in question.
Lying in Wait – The offender must be waiting and watching with the intent of ambushing the victim. This is lying in wait and is deliberate and premeditated. There must be intentional bodily harm leading to a high probability of death and a total disregard for the value of human life in order to be deemed a murder while lying in wait. Malice Aforethought must also be successfully proven. These also qualify under first degree murder.
A murder conviction can adversely affect ones life such that, even if a person is not guilty, it can affect his/her reputation and ability to get employment. Further, being the most serious crime in South Carolina, a charge for murder can cause a person to spend the rest of his/her life in prison. If you or someone close to you has been charged with murder of any degree, call the law offices of Reeves, Aiken & Hightower, LLP. Contact our Baxter Village office in Fort Mill, South Carolina at 803-548-4444, or 877-374-5999 toll free.