Murder Charges Filed in NoMo Area Shooting — What Victims of Gun Violence Need to Know About Civil Claims in South Carolina

The Incident

On March 16, 2026, the Charleston Police Department announced that murder charges had been formally filed in connection with a fatal shooting in the NoMo neighborhood, located north of Morrison Drive. According to the CPD Newsroom, the investigation revealed significant evidence leading to the charges. The victim tragically lost their life as a result of the violence, leaving behind grieving family members and a community shaken by the incident.

This devastating event underscores the broader issue of gun violence and its ripple effects on families and neighborhoods. While the criminal justice system will address the murder charges, victims' families often face a long road ahead, not only emotionally but also in seeking accountability beyond criminal prosecution. In certain cases, civil claims may provide an additional path to justice, particularly when negligence—such as inadequate security measures—contributed to the tragedy.

As a Charleston resident and attorney, I am deeply saddened by this loss of life in our community. My heart goes out to the victim’s family and loved ones. It’s important to explore every avenue for accountability and support for those left behind.

What South Carolina Law Says

South Carolina law provides a framework for pursuing civil claims in cases of wrongful death. Under SC Code Ann. § 15-51-10, the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit against individuals or entities whose actions or negligence caused the death. These claims seek to compensate surviving family members for their loss, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

In cases involving shootings, premises liability laws often come into play, particularly if the incident occurred on commercial property such as a bar, restaurant, or parking lot. Property owners in South Carolina have a legal duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect patrons and visitors from foreseeable harm. Failure to do so—whether through inadequate lighting, lack of security personnel, or failure to address known risks—can lead to claims of negligent security under SC Code Ann. § 15-78-60.

Courts in South Carolina evaluate negligent security claims by considering whether the property owner knew or should have known about risks of violence and whether reasonable steps were taken to mitigate those risks. Importantly, civil liability operates independently of criminal proceedings. Even if the perpetrator faces criminal charges, victims' families may still pursue civil claims against other parties whose negligence played a role in the tragedy.

These laws matter because they provide families with a means to hold accountable those who failed in their responsibilities. Civil claims not only seek compensation but also serve as a deterrent, encouraging property owners to prioritize safety and prevent future tragedies.

Your Rights and Options

If you’ve lost a loved one in a violent incident, you have rights under South Carolina law to seek justice and accountability. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Contact an experienced attorney immediately. An attorney can help you evaluate the circumstances of the incident and determine whether you have grounds for a civil claim.
• Gather all available evidence. Documentation such as police reports, witness statements, and video footage can be critical in building your case.
• Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation. Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame away from their clients; an attorney can protect your interests.
• Identify all potentially liable parties. Liability may extend beyond the perpetrator to property owners or others whose negligence contributed to the incident.
• File your claim within the statute of limitations. South Carolina law imposes strict deadlines for wrongful death and premises liability claims, typically three years from the date of the incident.

What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases

When investigating a wrongful death case involving gun violence, I focus on several key factors to determine the strength of a civil claim. First, I examine the location of the incident and whether it occurred on commercial property. If so, I investigate whether the property owner provided adequate security measures. This includes reviewing lighting conditions, surveillance systems, and whether security personnel were present—and if not, whether their absence constituted negligence.

Second, I evaluate whether the property owner had prior knowledge of risks. For example, if the location had a history of violent incidents or complaints about safety, the owner may have been on notice to take preventive action. I seek records of police reports, incident logs, or any correspondence that might establish awareness of the risks.

Finally, I assess the impact on the victim’s family. Wrongful death claims are not only about legal liability but also about securing compensation for the tremendous loss suffered by loved ones. I work closely with families to document the financial and emotional toll of the tragedy, ensuring their voices are heard in the legal process.

How Opposing Parties Will Fight Back

Opposing parties in wrongful death and negligent security cases often employ aggressive strategies to minimize their liability. Property owners may argue that the violence was unforeseeable, claiming they had no reason to anticipate criminal activity on their premises. They may also assert that their security measures were reasonable under the circumstances, even if those measures ultimately proved inadequate.

Another common defense is to shift blame to the victim or other parties. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence standard under SC Code Ann. § 15-38-15, which reduces a plaintiff’s recovery if they are found partially at fault and bars recovery entirely if their fault exceeds 50%. Defense attorneys may scrutinize the victim’s actions leading up to the incident in an effort to reduce liability.

Insurers often play a significant role in these cases, employing tactics to delay proceedings, dispute claims, or pressure families into accepting low settlements. As an attorney, I am prepared to counter these strategies and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of my clients.

Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices

At Traywick Law Offices, we understand the complexities of cases involving wrongful death, negligent security, and premises liability. These practice areas often intersect, particularly in incidents of violence on commercial property. Our firm is dedicated to helping families navigate the legal system and pursue justice for their loved ones.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to violence or negligence, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. Together, we can explore your options and take steps toward accountability and closure.