In the early hours of a Saturday morning in the small community of Lamar, South Carolina, a violent encounter left one man dead and another injured. On August 16, 2025, first responders were called to the 100 block of McLain Street, where they discovered that 35-year-old Keith Rouse had been shot. He was rushed to McLeod Regional Medical Center, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead later that day.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to a suspect,
who was also injured during the incident. Authorities identified Michael Quintel Abson Jr. as the man responsible for Rouse's death. Following the shooting, Abson was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Upon his release, he was taken into custody by the Lamar Police Department.
In the days that followed the deadly shooting, Lamar Police Chief Dennis Carter announced that Michael Quintel Abson Jr. had been formally charged in connection with the killing of Keith Rouse. The charges brought against him were murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. After being booked, Abson was transported to the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center to await legal proceedings.
Keith Rashadd Rouse, known affectionately as 'Nunk Nunk' to his family and friends, was remembered as a loving and attentive father to his two children. Born on October 4, 1989, in Florence, South Carolina, he was a resident of Lynchburg. He had attended Lamar High School and was a member of Powerhouse Faith Ministries. His family and friends recall him as a loyal and friendly person, a comedian who was full of laughter.
