In the quiet town of Pacolet, South Carolina, a young life was tragically cut short on the evening of Thursday, February 7, 2019. Antuwan Marquise Shippy, a 21-year-old male, was fatally shot, leaving a community in mourning and a family searching for answers. The incident unfolded around 9:45 p.m. at Dogwood Circle, where law enforcement from the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and the Pacolet Police Department were dispatched following reports of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, they discovered that Shippy had already been transported to a local emergency service substation by individuals at the scene. From there, he was rushed to Spartanburg Medical Center to be treated for a gunshot wound to his groin, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Antuwan Shippy’s death quickly pointed to a suspect. Witnesses at the scene identified Robert Anthony Owens, a 30-year-old man from Jonesville, as the shooter. This information prompted a swift response from law enforcement. Investigators were able to locate Owens at a residence in Union County shortly after the shooting. At the time of his arrest, Owens was found in possession of two firearms. Forensic analysis of the weapons revealed a critical piece of evidence: one of the guns had Antuwan Shippy's DNA on it, directly linking Owens to the crime. The collaborative efforts of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, Pacolet Police Department, Union County Sheriff's Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division were instrumental in the rapid apprehension of the suspect.
In a development that brought a measure of closure to the grieving family, Robert Anthony Owens faced justice for his actions. On April 20, 2021, Owens pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Before a circuit judge, he accepted responsibility for the fatal shooting of Antuwan Shippy. Taking into account his prior criminal record, which included convictions for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, failure to stop for a blue light and siren, and second-degree assault and battery, the court handed down a significant sentence. Owens was ordered to serve 25 years in prison for the senseless act that ended a young man's life. Under the terms of his sentence, he will be required to serve 85 percent of his prison term before becoming eligible for release.
