Florence, SC, September 10, 2025

News Summary

Derrick Brunson, 50, is undergoing his second murder trial at the Florence County Judicial Center for the alleged beating death of his girlfriend, Katlyn Shippnick, 31. The previous trial ended in a mistrial after jurors could not reach a unanimous decision. Prosecutors argue that severe physical abuse contributed to Shippnick’s fatal internal injuries. The prosecution highlights Brunson’s delayed 911 call and attempts to mislead authorities as critical evidence. The ongoing case has drawn attention from the local community and Shippnick’s grieving family, who seek justice for their loss.

Florence, SC

Derrick Brunson, 50, is currently facing his second murder trial regarding the death of his girlfriend, Katlyn Shippnick, 31, at the Florence County Judicial Center. The trial follows an initial attempt in July 2024 that ended in a mistrial when the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision.

The court proceedings center on the allegation that Brunson beat Shippnick over a period leading to her death on or about May 21, 2021. Evidence presented suggests that the severe physical abuse resulted in internal bleeding that ultimately proved fatal. The prosecution described a disturbing narrative of events, indicating that the incident occurred at the couple’s home on Pine Court Circle in Florence, South Carolina.

Initially, police treated Shippnick’s death as suspicious. However, subsequent investigations revealed that she had been beaten to death. Brunson’s actions on the day of the incident have raised further questions, particularly his delayed response to call 911. Hours after Shippnick’s death, Brunson allegedly contacted emergency services and attempted to claim that she had been shot, despite the forensic evidence pointing to a different cause of death.

The 911 dispatch call lasted over 21 minutes, during which the dispatcher struggled to obtain clear information due to Brunson’s emotional state and his physical distance from the phone. The call, as detailed in court, illustrates the chaotic circumstances surrounding Shippnick’s death.

Family members of Shippnick have traveled from New Jersey to show their support during the trial. They expressed their profound grief over her loss, particularly highlighting the impact on Shippnick’s five children, who deeply miss their mother. Family members have shared sentiments regarding the ongoing pain stemming from her tragic death, emphasizing their need for justice.

During the proceedings, the jury was confronted with graphic photographic evidence which was so distressing that one juror collapsed and needed to be replaced by an alternate. This incident exemplifies the heavy emotional burden the trial is placing on those involved.

The trial remains in progress, with updates continuously provided regarding the courtroom proceedings and how the evidence is being received. Local residents are closely following the case, as the tragic circumstances of Shippnick’s death continue to resonate through the community.

Background Context

Brunson’s first trial ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury, highlighting the complexities of the evidence against him and the differing perspectives on the case. As the second trial unfolds, the prosecutors are prepared to present a comprehensive narrative about the events leading up to and including Shippnick’s fatal injuries. This case raises broader societal conversations about domestic violence and the legal system’s response to such incidents.

Key Features of the Case

• Trial Location: Florence County Judicial Center
• Defendant: Derrick Brunson, 50
• Victim: Katlyn Shippnick, 31
• Incident Date: On or about May 21, 2021
• Cause of Death: Beaten to death
• Initial Jury Outcome: Mistrial in July 2024
• Family Impact: Shippnick has five children
• Trial Status: Ongoing

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• WBTW: Testimony Continues in Murder Trial
• ABC News 4: Derrick Brunson Murder Trial
• Journal Review: Attempted Murder Trial
• Click Orlando: Hearing for 2018 Shooting Case
• Wikipedia: Domestic Violence

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.