Florence, SC, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Florence Police Department has arrested a third suspect, Eric Desandre Madison, in connection with the cold case homicide of 45-year-old William Ewell. Madison faces charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, joining two other suspects arrested earlier this month. Additionally, Madison is linked to a domestic violence incident at a local bar. All suspects are currently detained while the investigation continues.
Florence, SC — A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the cold case homicide of 45-year-old William Ewell, who was shot on September 14, 2022, on Prout Drive. Eric Desandre Madison, a 28-year-old resident of Florence, was taken into custody on Monday morning and is now charged with murder and criminal conspiracy.
Madison joins two other suspects previously arrested in relation to this case, Savyion Vanderhall and Jaquan Brockington, who were both apprehended earlier this month. Brockington faces additional charges for possession of a weapon during a violent crime, further complicating the ongoing investigation into Ewell’s death.
The Florence Police Department revealed that Madison is also linked to a recent domestic violence incident that occurred at the Oasis 843 Elite Bar and Lounge on September 3. During this incident, he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and threatened several patrons with a firearm. Following the incident, he reportedly contacted the bar, warning he would return if law enforcement became involved.
All three suspects—Madison, Vanderhall, and Brockington—are currently detained at the Florence County Detention Center. The arrest of Madison marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation aimed at resolving Ewell’s homicide case.
Details of the Homicide
William Ewell was shot and killed in a violent act that has left the local community seeking justice. The incident took place in a residential area, raising concerns about safety and the ongoing threat of violence in the region. Ewell’s death has highlighted the need for increased community awareness and police involvement as they work to tackle violent crime.
Multiple Charges on Madison
In addition to the murder and conspiracy charges related to Ewell’s death, Madison faces over a dozen charges stemming from the September 3 domestic violence incident. These incidents include numerous counts linked to the threats made toward patrons at the bar and the assault on his girlfriend. The accumulation of these charges paints a troubling picture of Madison’s recent behavior and raises further questions regarding public safety.
Background of the Investigation
The Florence Police Department has been actively investigating Ewell’s homicide since it was reported in 2022. The police efforts are part of a broader initiative to address violent crimes within the city. The arrests of Madison, Vanderhall, and Brockington reveal significant progress in the cold case, offering hope to the community for resolution and justice for Ewell’s family.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement encourages anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to come forward. The cooperation of the community will be vital in bringing all involved to justice and maintaining safety in the area.
Conclusion
The arrest of Eric Desandre Madison, alongside his co-suspects, underscores the importance of continued vigilance and action against crime in Florence. Authorities remain focused on solving the homicide of William Ewell while ensuring justice is served.
FAQ
Who is Eric Desandre Madison?
Eric Desandre Madison is a 28-year-old resident of Florence, SC, arrested in connection with the homicide of William Ewell.
What charges has Madison faced?
Madison is charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and a series of charges related to a domestic violence incident that occurred on September 3.
What happened to William Ewell?
William Ewell was shot and killed on September 14, 2022, in a residential area on Prout Drive, Florence.
What is being done about the ongoing investigation?
The Florence Police Department continues to investigate Ewell’s homicide actively and has encouraged community members to provide any related information.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | William Ewell, age 45 |
| Incident Date | September 14, 2022 |
| Suspects Arrested | Eric Desandre Madison, Savyion Vanderhall, Jaquan Brockington |
| Charges on Madison | Murder, criminal conspiracy, various domestic violence charges |
| Location of Incident | Prout Drive, Florence, SC |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence After 5 Event Canceled Due to Severe Weather
Darlington County Employees See Salaries Soar in 2024
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Man Arrested in 2022 Cold Case Homicide
- WBTW: 3rd Murder Arrest Made in 2022 Florence Cold Case
- WMBF: Third Man Wanted in 2022 Pee Dee Cold Case Arrested
- WLTX: South Carolina Shooting Murder Arrest
- WMBF: Second Arrest Made in Connection to Florence Shooting
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- Google Search: Florence SC Violent Crime
- Google Scholar: Florence South Carolina Crime Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence, South Carolina
- Google News: Florence South Carolina Homicide
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.
