Matthew Alexander Flemming, a 67-year-old man from Columbia, South Carolina, was fatally shot on the evening of April 16, 2025, in Gadsden, South Carolina. The incident occurred in the 800 block of Congaree Church Road in Lower Richland County, where Flemming had been helping his aunt with yard work. An argument over a stolen lottery ticket escalated into a violent confrontation that ultimately led to his death.
Earlier in the day, Flemming was reportedly getting along with 60-year-old
Paul Williams, who was also present and occasionally assisting with the yard work. However, after a trip to a store, Williams's demeanor allegedly changed. Witnesses stated that he began quoting scriptures and became increasingly loud, prompting Flemming's aunt to ask him to leave her property. Shortly after this, Flemming called out to his aunt, and a single gunshot was heard.
Richland County sheriff's deputies were already en route to the residence in response to a call about the dispute over the lottery ticket. Upon their arrival, they heard the gunshot and saw Paul Williams exiting the backyard with a gun in his hand. Williams was immediately detained by the authorities. The deputies then discovered Flemming with a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, Paul Williams was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent offense, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. A judge has denied him bond, and he remains in custody awaiting legal proceedings.
