In the small town of Sharon, South Carolina, a confrontation outside a Dollar General store on July 10, 2025, ended in the death of 69-year-old Joseph Gregory Lewis. Lewis, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was involved in an altercation that escalated to gunfire. He was transported to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, where he succumbed to his injuries a few days later on July 13.
According to the York County Sheriff's Office, the incident began when Lewis, who was armed with a pistol,
aggressively approached a vehicle, made threats, and punched the 25-year-old male driver through the window. In response to what he perceived as a threat, the driver, who was legally carrying a firearm, discharged his weapon, striking Lewis. While some neighbors speculated the dispute may have started over Lewis's dog, authorities have not confirmed a motive.
Following an investigation, the York County Sheriff's Office and the 16th Circuit Solicitor's Office announced that no criminal charges would be filed against the driver. The decision was based on South Carolina's 'stand your ground' law, which permits the use of lethal force in self-defense if an individual believes their life is in danger. Officials concluded that the driver's actions were justifiable under this statute. The identity of the shooter was not publicly released.
