South Carolina Deputy Faces Serious Charges After Allegedly Killing Unarmed Suspect

A South Carolina deputy faces serious charges after fatally shooting an unarmed suspect and allowing his police dog to maul an innocent bystander.

At a Glance

Deputy Treyvon Jonathan Sellers charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault
Sellers fatally shot unarmed suspect William Dwayne Rankin five times
Sellers’ police dog mauled an innocent homeowner, causing permanent injuries
Incident occurred during a chase when Rankin crashed and fled into a nearby home
Sellers faces up to 30 years in prison for manslaughter and 20 years for assault

Deputy Charged in Fatal Shooting and Dog Attack

Treyvon Jonathan Sellers, a former deputy with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, is facing serious charges following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of an unarmed suspect and severe injuries to an innocent bystander. The State Law Enforcement Division has charged Sellers with voluntary manslaughter and assault for his actions during a pursuit on May 26.

The incident unfolded when Sellers was chasing 43-year-old William Dwayne Rankin. According to state agents, Rankin crashed his vehicle into a tree and subsequently fled into a nearby home. Sellers is reported to have pursued Rankin into the residence without announcing his presence and ordered his unleashed police dog to attack.

South Carolina deputy charged with killing unarmed man and letting police dog maul innocent person https://t.co/ppd2ZNjemI

— Shawn Cabbagestalk (@CabbageTV) August 22, 2024

Tragic Consequences of Pursuit

In a series of events that rapidly spiraled out of control, Sellers’ alleged actions led to dire consequences for both the suspect and an innocent bystander. Reports say that after entering the home, Sellers shot Rankin five times while he lay on a couch. Rankin, who was unarmed at the time, did not survive the encounter.

Compounding the tragedy, Sellers’ police dog attacked the homeowner, who was not involved in the chase. The innocent bystander suffered a vicious mauling that lasted for over a minute, resulting in permanent injuries to his left arm and shoulder. State agents reported that Sellers failed to give the proper commands to stop the dog’s attack.

Legal Consequences

Sellers, who had been with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for less than two years, now faces severe legal consequences. If convicted, he could be sentenced to two to 30 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter and up to 20 years for assault and battery. Following the May 26 shooting, Sellers was placed on leave and subsequently fired in July after a separate domestic violence arrest.

As this case progresses through the legal system, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when law enforcement actions go awry. The charges against Sellers reflect the gravity of the situation and the importance of proper training, judgment, and accountability in policing.