News Summary
Florence County law enforcement has arrested two suspects, Jean Lesperance and Jacinda Trader, in connection with the murder of 37-year-old Janet Crouch in Charleston County. The tragic shooting on Hollywood Drive revealed a history of a romantic relationship between Lesperance and the victim. In a separate incident, a security guard was killed at Qulture Bistro, and authorities are working diligently to address the rise in violent crime linked to personal disputes in the area.
Florence County, South Carolina – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a woman during a shooting in Charleston County. Jean Lesperance and Jacinda Trader were taken into custody with the help of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service, making their arrests on Wednesday. They were subsequently booked at the Florence County Detention Center before being transferred to the Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County on the same day.
The arrests come after a tragic incident on Sunday evening, when Charleston police responded to a shooting on Hollywood Drive in West Ashley just before 8 p.m. At the scene, officers found 37-year-old Janet Crouch dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Lesperance now faces charges including murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Trader has also been charged with murder for allegedly assisting Lesperance both before and after Crouch was killed. Authorities revealed that Lesperance and Crouch previously had a romantic relationship.
The investigation into this shooting is still ongoing, and both suspects remain in custody without bond. Law enforcement officials are working diligently to uncover more details surrounding the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
In a separate but equally distressing case, a security guard was killed during a violent incident at Qulture Bistro in Florence County early Saturday morning. Melvin Anthony Gibson, 39, lost his life during a shooting that occurred around 4 a.m. Inside the establishment and near the door, six other individuals were shot but fortunately sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Authorities have arrested a primary suspect in Gibson’s murder, 40-year-old Brandon Cross, who has been charged with murder. The Florence County Sheriff, T.J. Joye, expressed alarm regarding the rise in violence in the county, asserting that many of these instances arise from personal disputes rather than random acts of violence.
In another incident, a separate shooting took place at the Red Circle Lounge, where a victim was shot in the head amid a confrontation. Tyreek Sharrod Dixon, a 24-year-old man, surrendered to authorities and faced multiple charges, including attempted murder, in relation to this incident.
In light of the escalating violence linked to personal conflicts, authorities are considering revoking the alcohol license of the Red Circle Lounge due to its troubling history of violent incidents. Sheriff Joye pointed out that alcohol and poor decision-making appear to be significant contributors to the violence in the community.
Authorities have stressed that none of the recent shootings are deemed random; all incidents stem from personal conflicts among individuals involved. Law enforcement continues to monitor the situation closely and is dedicated to ensuring community safety amid rising concerns about violent crime. As investigations proceed and more information becomes available, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Shooting in Florence
- WBTW: Man Charged with Murder
- WPDE: Man Charged in Deadly Shooting
- WMBF: Arrest Made in Nightclub Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
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.
