Eutawville, South Carolina

From the Orangeburg Times and Democrat of October 17, 2005

Owner kills man in robbery

A young man was killed by a store owner Monday when he walked into a convenience store, brandishing a small-caliber handgun and demanding money, Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams says.

The drama unfolded around noon at Duncan’s Country Store, 14125 Old Number Six Highway, four and a half miles east of Eutawville.

Long-time proprietor Lacey Duncan, who is in his late 70s, was minding the store when the gun-wielding man entered. As they struggled, the gun discharged, but the bullet did not hit anyone, the sheriff said.

Hearing the noise, Duncan’s wife came into the store from the residence that is attached to the store. Observing the men fighting each other, she came to her husband’s defense, the sheriff said.

Lacey Duncan then “discharged an unknown caliber weapon, striking the (assailant) and causing his death,” Williams said.

Williams said investigators had not identified the would-be robber Monday evening. The task has been made more difficult because he had no identification, nor was there a vehicle in the parking lot, the sheriff said.

“He’s a John Doe so far,” Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall said Monday night.

Reached by phone Monday evening, Mrs. Duncan said she and her husband were all right, but declined to talk about the incident.

Meanwhile, investigators have conferred with 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe concerning possible charges in Monday’s shooting.

“At this point in time, with the information gathered, we have not charged anyone,” Pascoe said. “However, we’re still looking into the situation and will make a more firm decision concerning charges in the near future.”