FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Darlington County deputies found a person shot to death Wednesday night.
Deputies were called to a home on Alpine Drive in the Florence area of Darlington County at approximately 7 p.m. after a shooting victim was found inside the home.
Lt. Robert Kilgo says the victim was deceased when deputies arrived. The case is being investigated as a homicide but the sheriff’s office has not released any information related to a suspect.
Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee identifies the victim as Michael Smith, 39, of Florence. Hardee did not comment on a possible cause of death.
Longtime girlfriend Danielle Beard says Smith was a loving father to their two kids.
“He cared about everybody. He’d give you the shirt off of his back. He did not deserve it,” said Beard.
Beard was instructed by the Darlington County Sheriff’s office to avoid sharing details about what happened since the investigation is ongoing.
She says her family, including her kids and Smith’s dad, were home during the shooting.
“They just came in and took him…,” she said with tears in her eyes. “They [the kids] were there… they saw him on the ground.”
Family friend John Ray says Smith loved to hunt and fish.
“I hate to see him go,“ said Ray. “I hope they get him and lock him up… and throw away the key.”
Next door neighbor Kathy Defee agrees with Ray.
“I hope they find them because this was uncalled for… uncalled for,” said Defee.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact deputies at 843.398.4501.
