Aiken County, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Aiken County residents were shocked by the discovery of a deceased Black male in an abandoned vehicle on Williston Road. The body, believed to belong to a homeless man, was found by a local homeowner. Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected and that an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death. This incident occurred amidst a series of violent events in the area, raising concerns among the community.
Aiken County: Tragic Discovery of Body in Abandoned Vehicle
A somber discovery in Aiken County unfolded when the body of a Black male was found inside an abandoned vehicle on Williston Road on Wednesday morning. The body was discovered by a local homeowner shortly before 11 a.m. The deceased individual is believed to be a homeless man known to frequent the area.
Coroner Darryl Ables confirmed that positive identification of the deceased is pending fingerprint analysis. At this time, the cause of death remains undetermined; however, authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected. An autopsy has been scheduled for next week in Newberry to ascertain the cause and manner of death. Both the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office are working together to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Context Surrounding Recent Incidents
The discovery of the body is part of a disturbing pattern of incidents occurring in Aiken County this week. On the same day, a separate officer-involved shooting took place. Aiken County deputies responded to a report of a house break-in around 10:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Old Barnwell Road. During this response, deputies encountered a man identified as 39-year-old Aaron Stevenson, who was armed with a machete and a handgun. Stevenson fled on foot when deputies arrived, brandishing his weapons, which resulted in deputies opening fire.
Emergency medical crews provided life-saving measures to Stevenson, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital. Upon his release, Stevenson will face multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree assault and battery, first-degree burglary, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the confrontation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating this incident, marking it as the 27th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina for 2025 and the second involving Aiken County deputies this year.
Additional Incidents in the Area
Compounding the day’s events, shots were fired in Graniteville around 7:30 p.m., though no injuries were reported from that incident. Furthermore, two individuals sustained injuries in a separate road rage shooting on Interstate 20 in Richmond County on the same afternoon as the aforementioned incidents, showcasing a concerning trend of violence that has unsettled the community.
Summary of Events in Aiken County
A similar series of troubling incidents has prompted a thorough investigation by local law enforcement. As the Aiken County community grapples with these events, officials continue to urge citizens to report any suspicious activity and remain vigilant in their neighborhoods.
FAQ
1. What was discovered in Aiken County?
The body of a homeless man was found inside an abandoned vehicle on Williston Road.
2. When was the body discovered?
The body was discovered on Wednesday morning shortly before 11 a.m.
3. What do authorities know about the cause of death?
The cause of death is currently undetermined, but no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is scheduled for next week.
4. What other incidents occurred on the same day?
On the same day, an officer-involved shooting took place during a burglary response, and shots were fired in Graniteville.
5. Is there an investigation into these incidents?
Yes, both the Aiken County Coroner’s Office and Aiken County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death, while SLED is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Key Features of Recent Aiken County Incidents
| Incident Type | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Discovery | Wednesday | 1200 block of Williston Road | Body of a homeless man found in abandoned vehicle. No foul play suspected. |
| Officer-Involved Shooting | Wednesday | 800 block of Old Barnwell Road | Deputies shot a man armed with a machete and handgun during a burglary response. |
| Shooting Incident | Wednesday | Graniteville | Shots fired, no injuries reported. |
| Road Rage Shooting | Sunday | Interstate 20 | Two people injured in a road rage incident. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Aiken County Deputies Shooting Suspect
- Wikipedia: Aiken County, South Carolina
- WJBF: Major Drug Bust in Aiken County
- Google Search: Aiken County crime
- WLTX: Aiken County Deputy Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Augusta Chronicle: Aiken County Charges in Shooting Death
- Google News: Aiken County shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
