In the Red Bank area of Lexington County, South Carolina, a dispute over money and a gambling game escalated into a fatal encounter on November 9, 2020. The life of 38-year-old William Jason Clark, a male of mixed race, was cut short that day in a house on South Hampton Avenue.
Known to his friends and family as 'William Hollow,' Clark was described as a loving and caring person with a positive outlook on life. He was a father and had worked in construction and landscaping.
His adventurous spirit was evident when he celebrated a birthday by skydiving. He was also a skilled boxer who had won titles and trophies.
On that fateful November day, an argument erupted, leading to Clark being shot in the lower body. He was transported to Lexington Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on November 10, 2020.
The Lexington County Sheriff's Department quickly launched an investigation into the shooting. Their inquiries led them to identify 23-year-old James Joseph Patterson III of Richland County as the primary suspect. Patterson was arrested on November 13, 2020, and faced charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence and witness testimony that detailed the events leading to Clark's death. The jury found James Joseph Patterson III guilty of murder. He was subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder charge and an additional five years for the weapon charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently.
