Fairfield County Authorities Announce Arrests in Lake Wateree Homicide and Shooting
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that all three suspects connected to a fatal shooting in the Lake Wateree area are now in custody following a swift multi-agency investigation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, when deputies responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on 1868 Durham Place Road. Upon entering the home, deputies discovered a scene of violence: one woman was unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the neck, and another individual was suffering from a gunshot wound to the hip.
The female victim, later identified as Laporsha Jasma Farr, 37, of Lanier Street in Spartanburg, was pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, the shooting occurred on the eve of what would have been her 38th birthday. The second victim was transported to Prisma Health Richland and remains in stable condition.
Details of the Incident
Investigators determined that three men were present in the home when an argument erupted. During the heated exchange, one suspect — later identified as Jerry L. Jones, 41, of Perry Avenue, Greenville — allegedly produced a handgun and shot Farr in the neck before firing at the second victim, striking them in the hip. Jones then fled the scene with the two other men present.
Pursuit and Arrests
Law enforcement quickly mobilized. Over the next two days, Benny L. Grady and William E. Mack were taken into custody without incident. On August 14, 2025, following a tense three-hour stand-off in Greenville County, Jones was apprehended.
Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery praised the rapid and coordinated effort:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this case and I am grateful for a swift resolution to this devastating crime. I want to thank the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Greenville, Greer Police Department, and the citizens of Fairfield County who came forward to help investigators uncover the facts.”
Charges Filed
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Jerry L. Jones, 41, Perry Avenue, Greenville, SC
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Murder
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Attempted Murder
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Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
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Benny L. Grady
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Accessory After the Fact
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William E. Mack
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Accessory After the Fact
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Authorities emphasize that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ongoing Investigation
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives continue to interview witnesses and collect evidence to fully understand the circumstances that led to this deadly confrontation.
The community of Fairfield County has been left shaken by the tragedy, particularly given the senseless loss of Farr’s life on what should have been a milestone birthday.
