News Summary
In Florence, SC, Michael James Smith, Jr., 26, has been denied bond during a court appearance following the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend. He faces murder charges after the incident at an apartment complex. The victim, who remains unnamed, suffered two deadly stab wounds. Smith’s mental health issues were raised in court, with his family mentioning a diagnosis of schizophrenia. An autopsy is scheduled as the investigation continues, and Smith’s next court appearance is set for September.
Florence Man Denied Bond After Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend
Florence, SC – Michael James Smith, Jr., a 26-year-old man, was denied bond during a court hearing on Wednesday afternoon following a fatal incident involving his girlfriend. He faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime relating to the stabbing that occurred on Tuesday morning at an apartment complex on N. Coit Street.
Investigations revealed that police found the victim’s body within the apartment, where Smith was also present. The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, suffered two stab wounds to her neck and shoulder and was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
According to law enforcement, Smith was promptly taken into custody and subsequently transported to the Florence County Detention Center. During the bond hearing, which highlighted the brutal nature of the attack, the prosecution argued for the denial of bond, emphasizing the severity of Smith’s actions.
Mental Health Concerns Raised
Smith’s family brought forward concerns regarding his mental health during the hearing. They specifically mentioned that he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. His mother noted that he is a member of the National Guard and actively participates in church activities, which she implied might indicate a different side of his personality.
Upcoming Court Appearances
Due to the nature of the accusations, Smith’s next scheduled court appearance will take place in September. Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather additional details surrounding the incident.
Investigation and Autopsy Scheduled
An autopsy has been ordered and is set to be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina later this week to determine the exact cause of death. The Florence Police Department has confirmed that they are working diligently to uncover further information related to the case.
The community remains shocked by the violence of this incident, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic altercation.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Man Denied Bond After Stabbing
- Wikipedia: Murder
- WBTW: Florence Police Respond to Stabbing Incident
- Google Search: Florence stabbing incident
- WMBF: Woman Dies After Stabbing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Insanity
- WFXB: Man Facing Murder Charges in Florence Stabbing
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime
- SC Now: Crime and Courts Article
- Google News: Florence police
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.
