Florence, SC – A Johnsonville man has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon near Florence, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say Marty Dwayne Coward, 55, of Cook Lane in Johnsonville, has been charged with murder under South Carolina Code Ann. 16-03-10. He is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing before a Circuit Court judge.
According to investigators, on January 11, 2026, deputies responded to DuPont Drive near Florence, where they discovered Lori Coward, deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities allege Coward used a firearm to shoot the victim before attempting to harm himself.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office stated that evidence gathered at the scene led to the arrest, and additional details are expected to be released following court proceedings.
Residents in the area described a heavy law enforcement presence as deputies worked the scene Sunday afternoon.
This case remains under investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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