In the quiet town of Walterboro, South Carolina, a beloved member of the community, Timothy Tyrone Behling, a 36-year-old Black/African American male, met a tragic and untimely end on July 23, 2022. Known affectionately as 'T.T.', he was described by his family as a 'big Teddy Bear' and was a well-loved individual, known for his kind and generous nature.
A dedicated longshoreman at the North Charleston and Wando Terminals, he had previously worked for Sumter Utilities and the South Carolina Department of Transportation. His passions included softball, as a member of the 'Get Back Gang' team, as well as horse racing and car races.
The unfortunate events of that summer day unfolded outside the family's home in Green Pond. Timothy and his mother, Deirdre Lynn Behling Holmes, were both fatally shot. The sudden violence that claimed two lives sent shockwaves through their close-knit family and the wider community. Timothy was a father to several children, with twins expected to be born in the December following his death. His life was remembered as one filled with love for his family and friends, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led to a suspect close to home. James Lee Holmes, the husband of Deirdre and stepfather of Timothy, was arrested in connection with the killings. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Holmes sitting on the tailgate of his pickup truck with two handguns. He confessed to the authorities that he had become enraged after an argument about unloading a work trailer. In his anger, he began shooting at his family members.
In December 2023, James Lee Holmes pleaded guilty to the murders of his wife and stepson. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his 16-year-old daughter, whom he had also fired at during the incident, as well as possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime. For his crimes, Holmes was sentenced to 30 years in prison for each of the murders, 30 years for the attempted murder, and five years for the weapons charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently. This brought a legal conclusion to a case that had inflicted immense pain and loss upon a family and a community.
