Gaston Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Ex-Girlfriend Shooting

News Summary

Parris D’Shawn Sutton, a 27-year-old man from Gaston, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend. The incident occurred on September 17, 2022, when Sutton shot her multiple times after a violent confrontation. The victim is now paralyzed, and Sutton’s actions have sparked discussions about domestic violence in the community.

Gaston Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Shooting Ex-Girlfriend in Lexington County

In a striking case that has captured the attention of many in Gaston, a 27-year-old man named Parris D’Shawn Sutton has been sentenced to a hefty 28 years in prison for the shocking act of attempted murder against his ex-girlfriend. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, with Chief Administrative Judge Debra R. McCaslin presiding over the hearing.

A Heartbreaking Incident

The harrowing events unfolded on the early morning of September 17, 2022, when Sutton showed up at a home on Edmund Highway around 3 a.m. He had learned that his ex-girlfriend was there, and distressingly, he had sent her a threatening text earlier that evening. In that message, Sutton expressed his anger and made it clear that he was not pleased about her interactions with another man. It was a dire escalation of jealousy that would lead to tragic consequences.

Upon his arrival at the residence, Sutton did not hesitate to physically assault his ex-girlfriend in front of witnesses. Not stopping there, he threatened her life, which led the homeowner—a female friend of the victim—to ask him to leave the premises. However, Sutton had other plans. He returned shortly after, cleverly pretending that he needed to charge his phone.

The Unthinkable Occurs

Once back inside the home, Sutton made his way to the bedroom where his ex-girlfriend was lying down. What followed was beyond comprehension: Sutton shot her multiple times before the gun jammed. This horrific act resulted in his ex-girlfriend being left paralyzed and dependent on a wheelchair. The lasting effects of such violence are unimaginable for anyone to endure.

Legal Ramifications

Sutton didn’t face the music right away. He was arrested about a month later in Charleston, where the victim was recovering from her life-threatening injuries. Investigators uncovered a disturbing trail of messages from Sutton that revealed his mindset after the shooting. In them, he alluded to his behavior being motivated by suspicions about his ex-girlfriend’s fidelity and suggested that he had lost control during the act.

Ultimately, Sutton was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. In court, he was given a 23-year sentence for the attempted murder and an additional 5 years for the weapons charge; these sentences will run consecutively. Under South Carolina law, the attempted murder charge is classified as a violent “no parole” offense, ensuring that Sutton will be behind bars for a significant time.

The Victim’s Voice

During the sentencing proceedings, the impact of Sutton’s violent actions was starkly laid out by the victim. She described how her life had been shattered in an instant and the ongoing challenges she now faces daily. Her experience serves as a poignant reminder of the real consequences of such actions, extending far beyond just the moment of violence.

The community of Gaston is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, reflecting on the need for greater awareness and prevention of domestic violence. Sutton’s case stands as a severe warning about the ramifications of jealousy and anger, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues before they spiral out of control.

As Sutton begins his lengthy prison sentence, we hope that both he and the victim find some sense of closure in a future that continues to demand attention to the causes and prevention of domestic violence.