One Person Dead in Early Morning Shooting Near Highway 38 and I-95 in Dillon County
DILLON COUNTY, SC — July 4, 2025
Authorities in Dillon County are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, July 4. According to Sheriff Jamie Hamilton of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 5:00 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 38 and Interstate 95, a busy corridor that serves as a key route through the region.
Deputies responding to emergency calls arrived on the scene to discover one person suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Investigation in Early Stages
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the case is now an active homicide investigation. The area around the scene was cordoned off for several hours Friday morning as investigators combed through the site for evidence. Officers could be seen documenting shell casings and surveying the surroundings while traffic was rerouted to prevent further disruption.
“There was a fatal shooting at approximately 5 a.m. near Highway 38 and I-95,” said Sheriff Jamie Hamilton in a brief statement. “One individual is deceased. The matter is currently under investigation, and we are not releasing further details at this time.”
No information has yet been released regarding potential suspects, a motive, or whether any arrests have been made.
Area Known for Traffic, Not Violence
The area where the shooting occurred — near one of Dillon County’s major highway interchanges — is heavily trafficked, particularly by early morning commuters and long-haul truck drivers. While not considered a hotspot for violent crime, the location has seen occasional incidents in the past due to its accessibility and transient nature.
“It’s unsettling,” said one local resident who lives a short distance from the scene. “You don’t expect to hear about shootings at this time of the morning, especially not around here. It’s normally just quiet traffic and trucks.”
Local businesses near the interchange were briefly impacted by police activity but have since resumed normal operations.
Sheriff’s Office Calls for Public Assistance
As the investigation continues, the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the incident — including witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage from the area — to come forward. Investigators believe that even the smallest details could be critical in determining what led to the fatal shooting.
“If you were in the area around 5 a.m. or saw anything unusual, we ask that you contact our office immediately,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office at 843-774-1432.
Community Reacts with Concern
News of the shooting has prompted concern among Dillon County residents, particularly given its timing — early on the morning of the Fourth of July holiday. Community members took to social media to express shock and sadness, while others called for increased patrols and surveillance in the area, especially during high-travel periods.
“It’s tragic that someone lost their life like this,” one Facebook commenter wrote. “We need to feel safe driving our roads, even at 5 in the morning.”
Awaiting Further Details
As of Friday afternoon, officials have not provided updates regarding the victim’s identity or any suspects involved. The sheriff’s office has stated that more information will be released as the investigation develops and once next of kin have been notified.
For now, the community awaits answers as detectives work to piece together the events that led to the tragic early morning shooting.