8/12/2024 Courthouse Shooting Incident

On August 12, 2024 at approximately 3:15PM deputies responded to shots being fired in the parking lot of the Laurens County Courthouse at Hillcrest Square. It was determined that after a court hearing, individuals involved in the hearing exited the courthouse at which time the suspect ran his vehicle into the victim and then proceeded to shoot him. The suspect was immediately taken into custody without incident and the victim began receiving treatment before being life flighted from the scene.

The victim succumbed to his injuries and has been identified by the Laurens County Coroner’s Office as 34-year-old Erin Lee Thomas of Woodruff.

The suspect is 32-year-old Stephen Andrew White of Laurens who is being held at our detention center, awaiting charges to include Murder.

This was an isolated incident and courthouse staff quickly secured the scene as well as the courthouse. To protect the integrity of this case, we will not be releasing further details at this time.

Our prayers are with the family of Mr. Thomas and all involved.