News Summary
Unique Stinson Ford, a 32-year-old man, has been charged with murder in connection to a shooting that killed 33-year-old Rashaun Snell during a ‘Sunday Funday’ party in Beaufort County. The incident occurred inside a home where Ford reportedly argued with Snell before the gunfire erupted. Witnesses described seeing Ford flee the scene, and he has since turned himself into authorities. This tragic event raises concerns about gun violence and public safety in the community, prompting ongoing investigations.
Beaufort County – Unique Stinson Ford, a 32-year-old man, has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a “Sunday Funday” party in the Sheldon area of Beaufort County on May 18. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m., leaving 33-year-old Rashaun Snell from Yemassee dead from a single gunshot wound, as confirmed by Chief Deputy Coroner Shane Bowers.
The shooting took place inside a home located near the northern end of Kelly Road, off U.S. 17/21 (Trask Parkway), approximately five miles southeast of downtown Yemassee. Witnesses reported hearing six to eight gunshots fired inside the residence just before the suspect fled the scene. Ford, who reportedly had entered the home looking for a cigarette, got into an argument with Snell prior to the gunfire.
After the shooting, Ford fled the scene in a green sedan but crashed the vehicle in a neighboring yard. Witnesses reported observing him running away from the crash site with what appeared to be a pistol in his right hand. Multiple witnesses have since identified Ford as the shooter during police interviews, although he was not known to frequently attend such gatherings.
Ford has a criminal history, including a guilty plea for misdemeanor vandalism in 2019 and illegally discharging firearms in 2024, however, he did not serve jail time for these offenses. Following the incident, Ford turned himself in to the Beaufort County police and has been charged with murder, aggravated breach of peace, and felony gun possession. His bond will need to be set by a Circuit Court judge due to the nature of the charges, which are punishable by life in prison.
As of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Ford remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center. The investigation into Snell’s death is ongoing, as authorities seek to gather more information. Anyone with details regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the lead investigator, Sgt. Mabrena Hicks, at 843-255-3441. Moreover, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County at 1-844-TIPSBFT or through their online platform and P3 Tips app.
This tragic event marks a devastating loss for the community, raising concerns about gun violence and public safety. Local law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and seek justice for the victim.
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Shooting Incident in Beaufort County Results in Arrest
Beaufort County Authorities Investigate Deadly Shooting
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: Beaufort County murder
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County crime
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort County crime
- WTOC
- Google News: Beaufort County shooting
