DILLON, SC (WBTW) – A Latta man accused of murder in August 2013 pleaded guilty Monday in a Dillon County courtroom.
Shipp Daniel, Assistant Solicitor with the Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, said Devante McNeil pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the killing of Damien Simpson.
Judge Roger Henderson sentenced McNeil to 23 years in prison. McNeil will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence.
“This was a senseless act perpetrated by a young man whose record indicates a pattern of violent behavior. Unfortunately, this time his behavior resulted in the death of an upstanding young man. While we can’t bring Damien back, today we were able to provide his family with some piece of justice,” said Judge Roger Henderson.
Dillon County Deputies charged McNeil and Benjamin Bethea for the deadly shooting that happened at The Legion Club near Latta. Simpson, 21, died from the shooting and three others were injured on August 24, 2013.
At the time of the shooting, McNeil was 21-years-old. Authorities also charged then 19-year-old Benjamin Bethea with murder. Assistant Solicitor Daniel said the state has yet to make a final decision on the co-defendant’s charges. Bethea was released on bond shortly after the murder.
