Florence, SC, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The civil trial for Fred Hopkins Jr., who was convicted of killing two law enforcement officers, has been postponed indefinitely due to ongoing medical issues. Originally scheduled for October 2025, the trial delay has left victims’ families in uncertainty. Hopkins, now 81, is serving life sentences for his crimes, and the civil litigation includes multiple lawsuits initiated by the victims’ estate. The court has yet to establish a new trial date as concerns about Hopkins’ health continue to impact the legal proceedings.
Florence, SC – The civil trial for Fred Hopkins Jr., the convicted killer of two law enforcement officers, has been postponed due to medical issues. The trial was initially scheduled to commence on October 20, 2025, but court documents revealed that health complications were the primary reason for the delay in proceedings.
Fred Hopkins Jr., aged 81, was sentenced to life imprisonment following his conviction for the fatal shootings of Florence Police Officer Terrence Carraway and Florence County Sheriff’s Office investigator Farrah Turner in 2018. In addition to the murder convictions, he faced five counts of attempted murder for wounding five other officers during the incident.
In early 2023, Hopkins entered a guilty plea as part of a plea agreement that spared him the possibility of a death sentence. This agreement led to life sentences for the two murder charges and an additional 30 years for each of the attempted murder charges.
The civil litigation against Hopkins was initiated by the estate of Officer Carraway in 2021. It encompasses multiple lawsuits, with the trial involving several parties affected by the tragedy. The legal action against him includes not only his actions but also implicates his son, Seth Hopkins, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for child sexual crimes.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections indicated that Hopkins could not be transported to court for trial due to ongoing medical issues. Over the past two years, records show that he has made multiple medical trips outside of the prison—eight visits in 2025 and six in 2024—suggesting persistent health concerns.
For the families of the victims and survivors, the wait for justice continues as they have been anticipating their day in court for over seven years. With the trial postponed indefinitely, they remain in a state of uncertainty regarding both the timing and future proceedings in this significant case.
As of now, no new trial date has been established, leaving both the civil plaintiffs and defendants awaiting further instructions from the court. The reasons cited for the postponements apply to four of the five civil lawsuits filed against Hopkins, with one suit being delayed specifically to facilitate settlement discussions.
Background on the Incident
In a tragic event on October 3, 2018, Fred Hopkins opened fire on law enforcement officers who were executing a search warrant at his home. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of Officer Carraway and Investigator Turner, while five more officers sustained injuries. This incident has marked a turning point in discussions around police safety and community relations in Florence County.
Key Facts Summary
- Convicted Offender: Fred Hopkins Jr.
- Age: 81 years
- Conviction Date: 2023
- Charges: Two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder
- Incarceration: Life sentences plus 30 years for attempted murder
- Civil Lawsuits Filed: 2021
- Trial Date: Postponed from October 20, 2025
- Medical Issues: Cited as reasons for postponement
FAQ Section
What is the reason for the postponement of Fred Hopkins Jr.’s trial?
The trial is postponed due to ongoing medical issues experienced by Fred Hopkins Jr.
What crimes was Fred Hopkins Jr. convicted of?
He was convicted of two counts of murder for killing Officer Terrence Carraway and Investigator Farrah Turner, as well as five counts of attempted murder for wounding five other officers.
When was the civil lawsuit against Hopkins filed?
The civil lawsuit was filed in 2021 by the estate of Officer Carraway.
What sentences has Fred Hopkins Jr. received?
He received life sentences for the murder charges and additional 30 years for each of the attempted murder charges.
Is there a new date set for the civil trial?
As of now, no new date for the civil trial has been established.
Key Features Overview Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Convicted Offender | Fred Hopkins Jr. |
| Age | 81 years |
| Conviction Year | 2023 |
| Murder Charges | Two |
| Attempted Murder Charges | Five |
| Civil Lawsuits Filed | 2021 |
| Postponed Trial Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Reason for Postponement | Medical Issues |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WBTW: Florence County civil case against Fred Hopkins postponed
- Google Search: Fred Hopkins Jr. civil trial
- WMBF News: Civil trial against Fred Hopkins postponed
- Wikipedia: Fred Hopkins
- WPDE: Fred Hopkins Jr. civil lawsuit postponed due to medical issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Safety
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.
