In the small city of Mullins, South Carolina, the life of 38-year-old Jeffery Demarus McFarland was tragically cut short on December 9, 2021. Known affectionately to friends and family as 'Butt D.,' McFarland was a well-known figure in his community, remembered for a vibrant personality and his skills on the basketball court during his high school years.
His sudden and violent death sent ripples of shock and grief through the town, leaving behind a cherished memory for those who knew him.
The events of that day unfolded at a stoplight on Highway 76, in front of Pee Dee Academy. McFarland was the passenger in a car being driven by Cheryl Woodberry when another vehicle, driven by Deborah Michelle Anderson, a woman with whom McFarland had a prior relationship, pulled up. Anderson proceeded to open fire on the car, striking both McFarland and Woodberry. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital where Jeffery McFarland succumbed to his injuries. Woodberry, though wounded, survived the attack. The shooting prompted a lockdown at nearby schools, highlighting the brazen and public nature of the violence.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly, with law enforcement quickly identifying Deborah Michelle Anderson as the primary suspect. It was discovered that she had purchased the handgun used in the shooting six months prior to the incident. Eyewitness accounts and prompt police work led to her arrest. Anderson was taken into custody and held at the Marion County Detention Center, facing charges of murder for the death of Jeffery McFarland, attempted murder for the injuries sustained by Cheryl Woodberry, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
In May 2024, the legal proceedings came to a conclusion when Deborah Michelle Anderson chose to plead guilty to the charges brought against her. This plea spared the victims' families the emotional toll of a full trial. The court, taking into account the severity of her actions and the danger she posed to the community, sentenced her to a term of 57 years in prison. The sentence ensured that Anderson would not be eligible for parole, bringing a measure of justice to the family and friends of Jeffery McFarland and a somber end to a tragic chapter for the community of Mullins.
