No Charges in Fatal Shooting at Fort Mill Motel

FORT MILL, SC – The York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office will not pursue charges in a fatal shooting that occurred in Fort Mill, SC. On July 27, 2025, at 3:32 a.m., YCSO deputies responded to the Motel 6 located on Carowinds Boulevard in Fort Mill, South Carolina, about a shooting. Responding deputies determined that a single gunshot fired struck the male victim, identified as Kendale Richardson Williams of North Carolina. The shooting suspect was detained on the scene, pending further investigation.

The YCSO Criminal Investigations Division and Forensic Services Unit responded to investigate the shooting. Investigators spoke with multiple witnesses on the scene and collected all evidence related to the shooting. Investigators determined that Williams was the initial aggressor in the incident.

Investigators discovered that Williams had requested a ride through a ride-booking service to Motel 6. When the ride service arrived at the Motel 6, while still inside the vehicle, Williams used a stun gun on the ride service driver and then attempted to strangle him. The male driver responded to this physical attack by discharging his firearm, which he was lawfully carrying.

Williams was pronounced deceased on scene from his injury by medical personnel.

Following standard operating procedures, Sheriff’s Office investigators presented the facts of the case to the Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office and Solicitor’s Office determined that the driver of the vehicle acted in self-defense when he discharged his firearm as allowed by South Carolina law (see S.C. Code Sec. 16-11-440, Protection of Person and Property Act). Accordingly, no charges will be filed related to this incident.