Florence, SC, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Kristen Taylor Porter, a 29-year-old Florence resident, was arrested in connection with the murder of Deputy Frank ‘Devin’ Mason, who was killed during an ambush. Porter faces charges related to false statements in firearm purchases and neglect as a legal custodian. The incident, which resulted in Deputy Mason’s death and injuries to another officer, underscores the serious implications of illegal firearm transactions and the tragic outcomes that can arise. The investigation remains ongoing with multiple law enforcement agencies involved.
Florence, SC – Kristen Taylor Porter, a 29-year-old resident of Florence, was arrested on Thursday by the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in connection with the murder of Darlington County Deputy Frank “Devin” Mason. The deputy was killed during an ambush that took place on July 1 when law enforcement responded to a wanted individual’s location.
Porter faces charges of making false statements related to the purchase of four firearms in February and March of 2025, including allegations that one firearm was provided to Cameron Ray Dennett, an individual barred from owning firearms due to prior convictions. In addition to the firearm-related charges, Porter is also charged with two counts of neglect as a legal custodian, separate from the murder case. She was booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday.
The charges of neglect date back to February 2025, signaling prior alleged misconduct. On July 1, deputies were responding to a 911 call about Dennett, who was wanted for several criminal charges, including criminal conspiracy and forgery, when they encountered him. During the confrontation, Deputy Mason, who was just 27 years old, was fatally shot, and Deputy Jacob Heatherly sustained injuries. Additionally, Dennett, aged 25, was killed in the shootout.
Law enforcement indicates that the investigation revealed Porter misrepresented her identity while purchasing firearms, claiming to be the actual buyer while obtaining weapons for others. When the ambush incident unfolded, Dennett had seven active warrants against him from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
Darlington County Sheriff Michael August expressed gratitude towards the involved law enforcement agencies for their swift actions throughout the investigation and ongoing legal proceedings. The tragic events of July 1 culminated in a public memorial service for Deputy Mason, held in July, where hundreds of mourners, including law enforcement officials from various regions, paid their respects. He was later laid to rest at Williamson Crossroads Baptist Church cemetery.
The ongoing investigation remains a collaborative effort led by the FBI Columbia Division and SLED, alongside local law enforcement agencies. The authorities are rigorously pursuing all aspects of this case, which underscores the significant consequences of illegal firearm purchases and the tragic outcomes they can lead to.
Key Background Information
- Deputy Frank “Devin” Mason was killed and Deputy Jacob Heatherly injured during a traffic stop while serving warrants.
- Cameron Ray Dennett, the wanted individual, had multiple active warrants at the time of the incident.
- Porter allegedly purchased firearms under false pretenses while functioning as a custodian for others.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings and the role of illegal firearms in such incidents, emphasizing the need for stringent law enforcement measures against firearm trafficking and the illegal distribution of firearms.
FAQ
Who was Kristen Taylor Porter?
Kristen Taylor Porter is a 29-year-old woman from Florence, who was arrested in connection with the murder of Deputy Frank “Devin” Mason.
What was Porter charged with?
Porter has been charged with making false statements during the purchase of firearms and two counts of neglect as a legal custodian.
What happened to Deputy Mason?
Deputy Frank “Devin” Mason was killed during a gunfight on July 1 while serving a warrant on a wanted individual.
What can you tell me about Cameron Ray Dennett?
Cameron Ray Dennett, the individual whom deputies were attempting to apprehend, also died during the shootout. He had multiple active warrants against him at the time.
What’s the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, led by the FBI and SLED, alongside local law enforcement agencies, addressing the larger issues surrounding illegal firearms and their impact on public safety.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Kristen Taylor Porter |
| Charges | False statements in firearm purchases, neglect as a legal custodian |
| Victim | Deputy Frank ‘Devin’ Mason |
| Incident Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Co-Defendant | Cameron Ray Dennett |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Florence Woman Arrested
- WLTX: Florence Woman Arrested in Connection
- MSN: Darlington County Deputy Dies
- Kistler Hardee Funeral Home: Deputy Frank Devin Mason
- WIS TV: Sheriff Deputy & Suspect Dead After Ambush
- Wikipedia: Firearm
- Google Search: Firearm Trafficking
- Google Scholar: Illegal Firearms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearms
- Google News: Darlington County Deputy
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.
