In a quiet, rural area just outside of Greenwood, South Carolina, a devastating act of violence claimed the life of 10-year-old Shey Nicole Dinkins. On a tragic Monday afternoon, Shey, along with 30-year-old Megan Lee Gale Dinkins and 56-year-old Randy Grant Perkins, was fatally shot inside their home. Another child was also injured during the incident but managed to escape to a neighbor's house to call for help.
All three victims were residents of the same home.
The investigation quickly identified a suspect, 36-year-old Jeffery David Powell. Authorities determined that Powell had a relationship with the victims, though the exact nature of their connection was not immediately disclosed. Following the shooting, Powell fled the state, boarding a commercial flight to Florida. His attempt to evade law enforcement was short-lived, as he was apprehended by authorities at a hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, just hours after the crime.
At the time of the murders, Powell had a pending charge for breach of trust in Greenwood County. His criminal history also included prior convictions for domestic violence. Following his arrest in Florida, Powell faced charges related to the triple homicide. The swift actions of the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and U.S. Marshals, led to the quick capture of the suspect, bringing a small measure of relief to a community shaken by the senseless loss of life, including that of a young girl.
