WEDGEFIELD, SC (WBTW) – One man is in custody after he reportedly stabbed another man during services at St. Paul AME Shaw Church, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Sixty-five-year-old Billy Lewis of Wedgefield, SC is being questioned in the incident. Lewis is currently charged with attempted murder but other charges could be filed later.
The sheriff’s office said the victim, a male believed to be in his 60’s, was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland where he is being treated for severe injuries.
Witnesses said Lewis was sitting behind the victim during church services around 9:20 a.m. They said Lewis stood and began stabbing the man sitting in front of him for no apparent reason. A nurse was there at the time and rendered aid until help could arrive.
The sheriff’s office has not determined a motive and said they are not aware of any prior incident between the men.
Lewis does have a history of mental health issues but the sheriff’s office is not aware of any violent history.
