Florence County, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Recently, Steven Allen Howle, a 36-year-old from Lamar, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime following a shooting on Berkeley Court in Florence County. The incident resulted in a fatality, and authorities are actively investigating the altercation that escalated to gunfire. Howle is currently in custody awaiting a bond hearing as community safety concerns rise due to recent violent crimes. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Florence County – Steven Allen Howle, a 36-year-old resident of Lamar, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime following a fatal shooting incident that occurred over the weekend. The incident took place on Saturday on Berkeley Court, where an altercation escalated to gunfire, ultimately leading to the death of one individual, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
Law enforcement officials reported that Howle traveled from his home to the location of the shooting. The confrontation that resulted in the shooting involved him and another individual. Details on what instigated the altercation have not been released, as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Howle was apprehended on Sunday and is currently in custody at the Florence County Detention Center. He is awaiting a bond hearing, which is a crucial step in determining whether he will be released prior to trial. The case is under active investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing that additional information may emerge as officials gather facts and witness statements related to the incident.
The investigation highlights a growing concern over violent crime in the area, as local law enforcement teams emphasize the need for community vigilance and cooperation during such investigations. Shooting incidents, particularly involving firearms, have raised alarm and prompted discussions regarding safety and crime prevention within the community.
Context of the Incident
Gun violence is a persistent issue in many parts of the United States, including in South Carolina. In recent years, various efforts have been undertaken by local governments and law enforcement agencies to mitigate the factors that contribute to such incidents. These include heightened community policing efforts, educational programs aimed at conflict resolution, and initiatives focused on gun safety.
As authorities investigate this specific incident, community members are reminded of the importance of reporting suspicious activities and remaining aware of their surroundings. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information related to this shooting to come forward, assisting law enforcement in their efforts to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Next Steps
Following the initial arraignment, further proceedings, including a preliminary hearing, will take place to establish the evidence against Howle. Depending on the outcomes of these hearings, Howle may either proceed to trial or potentially reach a plea agreement based on the charges presented. The timeline for legal proceedings can vary significantly based on the complexity of the investigation and the nature of the charges.
Conclusion
The tragic shooting incident in Florence County serves as a poignant reminder of the underlying issues surrounding violent crime. With the suspect now in custody and the investigation ongoing, the community is encouraged to come together to foster a safer environment for all residents.
FAQ
- Who is Steven Allen Howle?
- Steven Allen Howle is a 36-year-old man from Lamar, South Carolina, charged with murder following a shooting incident.
- What charges has Howle faced?
- Howle has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the shooting that occurred on Saturday.
- When and where did the shooting take place?
- The shooting occurred on Saturday at a location on Berkeley Court in Florence County.
- What led to the shooting?
- An altercation between Howle and another individual escalated, resulting in Howle allegedly shooting the victim.
- Is the investigation still ongoing?
- Yes, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, and further details may emerge as they continue their work.
- Where is Howle currently held?
- Howle is being held at the Florence County Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing.
- What is the status of the victim?
- The victim’s name has not been released, and further details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Man Charged With Deadly Shooting
- WPDE: Lamar Man Arrested After Deadly Shooting
- WBTW: Lamar Man Charged With Murder
- Fox 13 News: 9 Teens Charged in Deadly Shooting
- WMBF News: 15-Year-Old Charged After Shots Fired
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Gun Violence in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Florence County Shooting

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE 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.