Florence, SC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Derrick Brunson has been convicted of murder after a retrial, with the jury’s decision stemming from the tragic death of his girlfriend, Katelyn Shippnick. Testimonies from her children played a critical role in the conviction. The prosecution highlighted evidence of domestic violence leading to Shippnick’s murder, which the jury found unequivocal, resulting in a life sentence for Brunson. The case has raised significant concerns about domestic violence and its impact on families.
Florence, SC – Derrick Brunson Found Guilty of Murdering Girlfriend Katelyn Shippnick
Derrick Brunson was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Katelyn Shippnick, on Friday following a retrial at the Florence County Judicial Center. The jury’s decision came as a culmination of a retrial process stemming from a previous trial that resulted in a hung jury.
Katelyn Shippnick, aged 31, was found dead in her Florence home on May 21, 2021. Her two children, ages 11 and 14, played crucial roles during the retrial by testifying against Brunson. The son recounted witnessing his mother bleeding from her head in the bathroom and making a call to Brunson, while the daughter observed it was peculiar for Brunson to take her to school that morning, as her mother typically did.
Crucial testimonies came from associates of Shippnick, who indicated that she had been visibly bruised in the weeks leading up to her death. A pathologist confirmed both the cause and manner of Shippnick’s death during the trial, with further evidence presented regarding Brunson’s actions on the day of the incident.
Details of the Verdict and Sentencing
Prosecutor Todd Tucker described the murder as an instance of “senseless violence,” alleging that Brunson used his bare hands to fatally beat Shippnick. A former law enforcement officer testified about Brunson’s irritable behavior on the day of the incident. Notably, Brunson struggled to provide the correct 911 address during his emergency call, which delayed the arrival of medical help. Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken indicated that Shippnick had been dead for approximately five to six hours before assistance reached the scene.
During the retrial, Brunson’s defense attorney contended that the evidence against Brunson was insufficient and pointed out that previous allegations of domestic abuse were not reported to law enforcement. Despite these arguments, the jury found Brunson guilty, resulting in a life sentence for the crime.
Family Impact and Community Response
Shippnick’s family traveled from New Jersey to support the prosecution during the trial. Her children expressed that their mother was only happy when Brunson was not present, illustrating the negative impact Brunson had on Shippnick’s home life. Following the verdict, her family expressed their gratitude for what they perceived as justice being served.
The case highlights issues surrounding domestic violence and its tragic consequences. Community members have responded with a mixture of shock and support for Shippnick’s family as they process the events surrounding her untimely death.
FAQ
What was Derrick Brunson found guilty of?
Derrick Brunson was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Katelyn Shippnick, during a retrial held in Florence, SC.
When did the murder occur?
The murder of Katelyn Shippnick occurred on May 21, 2021.
What was the basis of the prosecution’s case?
The prosecution presented evidence of violence, including testimonials from Shippnick’s children and injuries noted by her coworkers, as well as confirmation of the cause of death by a medical pathologist.
What was the outcome of the retrial?
The retrial concluded with Derrick Brunson being sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Katelyn Shippnick.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Derrick Brunson found guilty of the murder of Katelyn Shippnick. |
| Date of Incident | Tragic event occurred on May 21, 2021. |
| Victim’s Age | Katelyn Shippnick was 31 years old. |
| Children’s Testimony | Brunson’s two children provided key testimonies against him. |
| Prosecution’s Claim | Murder characterized as senseless violence using bare hands. |
| Sentence | Derrick Brunson sentenced to life imprisonment. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Derrick Brunson Charges Trial
- ABC News 4: Derrick Brunson Murder Trial
- WMBF News: Man Sentenced to Life in Prison
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- WPDE: Man Allegedly Beat Woman to Death
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.
