In the quiet community of Northeast Columbia, South Carolina, the lives of Gloria Dewitt, a 52-year-old woman, and her husband, James 'Jim' Dewitt II, also 52, were tragically cut short on October 9, 2022. The couple was discovered deceased in their home on Greensprings Drive from apparent gunshot wounds following a wellness check. Their deaths were part of a triple homicide that also claimed the life of Gloria's cousin, 52-year-old Natasha Stevens, who was found dead in her home in Conway,
South Carolina, earlier the same day.
The tight-knit community was left in shock and mourning as details of the beloved couple's demise came to light. Gloria and Jim were high school sweethearts and business partners, owning Legends Security & Sound in Columbia. They were described as active and respected members of their community. Jim had recently been elected as an Atlantic Beach councilman. Friends and family remembered Gloria as a vibrant and kind-hearted person who, alongside her husband, had built a life and a business that positively impacted many.
The investigation into the triple homicide quickly led authorities to a suspect alarmingly close to the family. Matthew Allen Dewitt, the 25-year-old son of Gloria and James, was identified as the alleged perpetrator. He was taken into custody in Atlantic Beach on the Monday following the discoveries. Richland County deputies announced that they suspected Matthew in the deaths of his parents. He was also charged with the murder of his aunt, Natasha Stevens, in Horry County.
Following his arrest, Matthew Dewitt made his initial court appearance. While he was formally charged with the murder of Natasha Stevens in Horry County, authorities in Richland County have publicly named him as the suspect in the deaths of his parents. The motive for the killings has not been publicly released. The community continues to grieve the profound loss of three of its members, remembering Gloria and James Dewitt for their contributions and the warmth they brought to those who knew them.
