Trevor Devon Morris, a 20 year-old from the Batesburg-Leesville area, was convicted yesterday afternoon by a Lexington County jury of Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime. Circuit Court Judge Bentley D. Price presided over the four-day trial and sentenced Morris to ten (10) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.  Attempted Murder is classified as a “no parole” offense under South Carolina law.

On May 3, 2018, Morris carried out a drive-by shooting in downtown Batesburg. That evening, a blue SUV stopped on West Church Street where Morris, who was in the back seat, yelled at the victim who was outside of a residence. Morris then pointed a .40 caliber handgun out of the vehicle’s window shooting at least ten (10) rounds at the victim and into a crowd of bystanders, which included small children. Fortunately, no one was injured. During the trial, Morris was identified as the shooter by several witnesses. Testimony at trial also revealed that the weapons used were hidden in the woods for Morris and his accomplices.  

The Batesburg-Leesville Police Department handled the investigation of this case. Chief Wallace Oswald addressed the Court during sentencing sharing the effect this incident has had on his small, tight-knit community, and about his Department’s efforts to suppress local gang activity. 

Morris is a validated gang member. Morris will be transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to immediately begin the service of his sentence. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitors Bradley Pogue and Melanie Darko of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitors Office.