Triple Homicide in Woodruff Linked to Hunting Land Dispute
In a tragic incident on Friday night, three men were found dead in a wooded area near Woodruff. The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the victims as Paul Higgins, 38, and Jeremy Faulkner, 34, both of Woodruff, along with Nicolas Long, 22, of Greenville. The authorities were called to a scene off West Georgia Road around 9 p.m., where all three were discovered dead from gunshot wounds. Their deaths have been officially ruled as homicides.
Crime and Cask News found out that according to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, a fourth individual sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital in Simpsonville before deputies arrived. Initial investigations reveal the shootings stemmed from a dispute over hunting land access. Family members of the deceased, who witnessed the altercation, provided statements to investigators over the weekend.
The sheriff’s office continues its active investigation and plans to release more details following consultations with the solicitor’s office. Crime and Cask News will update this story as new information emerges.
Gun Deaths in South Carolina
This tragic incident in Woodruff is part of a broader, troubling trend in South Carolina, which ranks 8th in the nation for gun deaths. The state continues to experience high rates of firearm-related fatalities, prompting ongoing discussions about gun safety and regulation. With an increasing number of homicides involving firearms, including those linked to disputes such as this one, community leaders are calling for enhanced measures to address the issue. As the state grapples with this alarming statistic, it remains clear that efforts to reduce gun violence and ensure public safety are more crucial than ever.
SC Deer Season and Regulations
As deer hunting season is underway, hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on private land. Here are the current regulations for hunting on private lands in South Carolina:
- Tagging: All harvested deer must be tagged at the point of kill before transport. The tag must remain attached until the deer is quartered or received by a processor.
- Antlered Deer Limits:
- Residents: 2 per day, 5 total across all seasons and methods.
- Nonresidents: 2 per day, 4 total across all seasons and methods.
- Antlerless Deer Limits: 2 per day, tagged with Individual Antlerless Deer Tags. Tags are valid in Game Zones 2, 3, and 4 beginning Sept. 15, and in Game Zone 1 starting Oct. 1. Note that only three Individual Antlerless Deer Tags may be used in Game Zone 1.
- Additional Regulations:
- Limits include deer taken on both private and WMA lands but do not apply to quota deer on Deer Quota Program properties.
- Sunday hunting is permitted on private lands.
- Archery and crossbows are allowed during all seasons, with crossbows classified as archery equipment.
- In Game Zones 1 and 2, pursuing deer with dogs is prohibited.
- Baiting or hunting deer over bait is allowed on private lands statewide.
Stay tuned to Crime and Cask News for ongoing coverage of this case and more updates on hunting regulations this season.
