In the quiet, scenic embrace of Fairfield County, South Carolina, the serene shores of Lake Wateree were shattered by a violent tragedy on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. A home at 1868 Durham Place Road, nestled in the tranquil Lake Wateree community near Winnsboro, became the scene of a devastating shooting that claimed a life and left a community reeling. The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has worked tirelessly to bring answers and justice to a grieving town, confirming the arrests of three suspects—Jerry L. Jones, Benny L. Grady, and William E. Mack—in connection with the heart-wrenching incident.
It was a day that began like any other, but as evening fell, chaos erupted. Deputies responded to urgent reports of gunfire ringing out from the residence. Upon arrival, they were met with a grim scene: a woman lay unresponsive, a fatal gunshot wound to her neck, while another victim, wounded in the hip, clung to hope. The fallen was later identified as Laporsha Jasma Farr, a 37-year-old from Spartanburg, whose life was tragically cut short on what would have been the eve of her 38th birthday. The second victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was rushed to Prisma Health Richland, where they remain in stable condition, a flicker of resilience amid the sorrow.
Investigators pieced together the chilling sequence of events. An argument among three men and the victims escalated to a deadly crescendo. One of the men, later identified as Jerry L. Jones, allegedly drew a handgun, unleashing violence that left Farr lifeless and another fighting for survival. The trio fled the scene, leaving behind a home stained with tragedy and a community searching for answers.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, under the steadfast leadership of Sheriff Will Montgomery, launched a relentless pursuit of justice. Over the next two days, the net tightened. Benny L. Grady and William E. Mack were apprehended without incident, their roles in the aftermath of the crime coming into focus. Jerry L. Jones, the alleged gunman, proved more elusive, leading authorities on a tense chase that culminated in a three-hour standoff in Greenville County. By August 14, 2025, all three suspects were in custody, a testament to the unwavering resolve of law enforcement.
The charges paint a stark picture of accountability. Jerry L. Jones, 41, of Perry Avenue, Greenville, faces the gravest accusations: murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. His alleged actions turned a moment of conflict into an irreversible loss. Benny L. Grady and William E. Mack, meanwhile, face charges of accessory after the fact, accused of aiding in the aftermath of the deadly act. The investigation, authorities emphasize, is far from over, with every detail being meticulously examined to ensure justice is served.
Sheriff Will Montgomery, a lifelong resident of Fairfield County and a beacon of leadership since taking office in 2014, addressed the community with a heavy heart. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this case,” he said, his words carrying the weight of a leader who feels the pain of his people. He praised the swift resolution of the arrests, extending gratitude to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments of Greenville and Greer. Their collaboration, alongside the vigilance of Fairfield County’s citizens, who provided critical tips, proved instrumental in unraveling the case.
The loss of Laporsha Jasma Farr has cast a long shadow over Fairfield County. Her death, coinciding with the eve of her 38th birthday, adds a layer of poignancy to an already unbearable tragedy. As the community gathers to mourn, they hold fast to the hope that justice will bring closure. The Sheriff’s Office has reminded all that the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a cornerstone of fairness even in the face of such sorrow.
In the heart of Fairfield County, where national forests and serene lakes define the landscape, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. Yet, in the resolve of Sheriff Montgomery and his team, and in the unity of a community that refuses to be defined by violence, there is a glimmer of hope. As the investigation continues, Fairfield County stands together, honoring Laporsha’s memory and seeking a path toward healing.
