FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. — A quiet Saturday evening in Florence County turned tragic after a deadly shooting on Bartley Court, prompting an intense investigation and the swift arrest of a suspect now facing serious charges.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), deputies responded to the scene on October 18, 2025, following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered a man who had suffered fatal injuries from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as Steven Allen Howle, 36, of Lamar, South Carolina. Investigators say Howle traveled from his home on Old Timers Court to the Bartley Court residence, where an altercation unfolded. During the confrontation, Howle allegedly produced a firearm and shot the victim, leading to the man’s death.
Following an intensive overnight investigation, deputies arrested Howle on Sunday, October 19, 2025. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at the Florence County Detention Center, where he remains held pending a bond hearing.
Howle is charged with:
- Murder under S.C. Code Ann. 16-03-0020
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime under S.C. Code Ann. 16-23-0490
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that detectives are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the deadly shooting, working to determine what sparked the confrontation between the two men. The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
“This was a senseless act of violence that has left one man dead and a family devastated,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said in a statement. “Our detectives worked tirelessly through the night to ensure the suspect was quickly located and taken into custody.”
Neighbors in the Bartley Court area described the evening as chaotic, with flashing lights and sirens flooding the typically quiet neighborhood. Many expressed shock that such violence occurred so close to home.
“It’s scary,” one resident said. “We don’t usually see this kind of thing around here. I just hope the family can find some peace.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the victim and suspect knew each other or what led to the confrontation. The investigation remains active, and officials have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
As the Florence County community mourns the loss of life, local leaders are again emphasizing the need for peaceful conflict resolution and continued cooperation with law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office said more details will be shared as the case develops and once the victim’s family has been notified.
For now, 36-year-old Steven Allen Howle remains behind bars, facing murder and weapons charges in connection with a deadly shooting that has shaken the Florence County community.