“A justifiable homicide” determination

A review of evidence in the case of a Pickens County shooting death results in a determination by the sheriff’s office and the 13th Greenville-Pickens Solicitor’s Office that the shooting death December 19 of Stephen Wayne Kneece near Liberty was “a justifiable homicide.”  The Pickens Sheriff’s Office made this announcement today:  “Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the deceased, Stephen Wayne Kneece, arrived at the incident location shortly before the shooting with three other adult males.  Upon arriving at the residence, Kneece, along with several other armed subjects, approached an adult male at the property, alleging that the subject owed them money.  An altercation ensued, resulting in Kneece being shot by the subject.  In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the male subject attempted to escape the area in a vehicle and, while doing so, was shot at by acquaintances of the deceased.  Deputies were able to quickly locate the male subject at a nearby residence.  After having interviewed and located the parties present, many of whom fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement, as well as evaluated evidence recovered from the scene, Detectives with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office presented their findings to the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.  Following a review of the death of Stephen Kneece, at this time, has been determined to be a justifiable homicide; however, the investigation continues.”  But three subjects have been arrested due to their alleged actions immediately after the fatal shooting, and a fourth suspect remains wanted.