Florence, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The trial for civil lawsuits against Fred Hopkins has been postponed due to his health issues and ongoing settlement discussions. Initially scheduled to start at the Florence County Courthouse, the future of the trial now remains uncertain as no new date has been announced. Hopkins, who is serving life imprisonment for murder, faces lawsuits alleging wrongful death and negligence. Families affected by the tragic 2018 shooting are left waiting for their chance to seek justice.
Florence, South Carolina – The civil lawsuits trial of Fred Hopkins has been delayed due to his ongoing health issues and considerations surrounding potential settlements. The trial was initially set to commence on October 20 at the Florence County Courthouse, but now its future remains uncertain.
Four out of five civil lawsuits filed against Hopkins cited medical concerns as the basis for the postponement. One of these lawsuits requested additional time to finalize a settlement which is believed to be underway in the case. As of now, there has been no announcement regarding a new trial date.
Fred Hopkins, aged 81, is currently incarcerated at the Kirkland Correctional Institution following his conviction for two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder stemming from a shooting incident in 2018. This tragic event resulted in the fatalities of two law enforcement officers and injuries to seven others during an encounter at Hopkins’ residence in Florence.
Background on Fred Hopkins
Hopkins was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2023. The civil lawsuits connected to the 2018 police shooting also name his son, Seth Hopkins, who is serving a 20-year sentence for child sex crimes. The claims in the lawsuits include allegations of wrongful death, general and gross negligence, reckless conduct, and assault and battery.
Despite representing himself in the civil lawsuits, Fred Hopkins argues that these legal actions are attempts to “extort, terrorize, defame, and intimidate” him. Survivors of the shooting, as well as victims’ families, have been waiting for over seven years to confront Hopkins in civil court, highlighting the lengthy process involved in seeking justice following such a high-profile and devastating incident.
Recent Developments
Sadly, just a week prior to the scheduled trial, a judge denied a motion for continuance that could have impacted the upcoming trial proceedings. Furthermore, the South Carolina Department of Corrections has stated that Hopkins cannot be transported to the Florence County Courthouse for the trial due to ongoing medical issues. Records from the department show that Hopkins had made eight trips outside of the facility in 2023 and six in 2024 for medical reasons.
As it stands, the civil lawsuits against Fred Hopkins and the associated trial remain on hold until further notice, leaving many affected families in a state of uncertainty over when they may have the opportunity to have their day in court.
Conclusion
This postponement marks another chapter in a long legal saga stemming from one of the most tragic events in Florence’s recent history. With no clear timeline established for the trial’s rescheduling, the parties involved continue to navigate the complexities of this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Fred Hopkins’ civil lawsuits trial delayed?
The trial was delayed due to Fred Hopkins’ health issues, as cited in four out of five lawsuits, and considerations for finalizing a settlement in one case.
When was Fred Hopkins originally sentenced?
Fred Hopkins was sentenced to life in prison in October 2023 for two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
What charges are involved in the civil lawsuits against him?
The lawsuits against Fred Hopkins claim wrongful death, general and gross negligence, reckless conduct, and assault and battery.
Is there a new trial date scheduled?
As of now, the trial has not been rescheduled, and there is no indication of when it might take place.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Civil Trial for Convicted Killer Delayed Due to Health Issues
Additional Resources
- WBTW: Florence County Civil Case Against Fred Hopkins Postponed
- Wikipedia: Fred Hopkins
- WMBF: Civil Trial Against Fred Hopkins Postponed
- Google Search: Fred Hopkins shooting
- WPDE: Fred Hopkins Jr. Civil Lawsuit Postponed
- Google Scholar: Fred Hopkins case
- WMBF: Florence County Remembers Fallen Officers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fred Hopkins shooting
- WPDE: Hearing Rescheduled for Fred Hopkins Jr.
- Google News: Fred Hopkins lawsuit
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.
