Full Notification

Case History

At approximately 1:50 yesterday (Monday) morning, Sheriff's Office deputies and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel responded to a report of gunshot victims at a residence on Roberts Lane, Burton. At the scene, three gunshot victims were identified: one man was deceased and two men were wounded. The scene was secured by deputies, while EMS transported the two wounded men. The deceased man was identified by the Beaufort County Coroner's Office as 26-year-old Medicus Watson. One of the men that was transported by EMS remained hospitalized, while the other man was treated and released yesterday morning.

The Investigation

Sheriff's Office investigators interviewed witnesses and processed the crime scene for forensic evidence. From the scene, multiple cartridge casings were collected, as were a variety of illegal drugs. Through the investigation it was learned there was a dispute over a card game between the deceased man, Medicus Watson, and 30-year-old Terrance Morgan of Grays Hill, who was the man wounded, treated and released from the hospital this morning. It was learned that during the dispute, Morgan presented a firearm and, a short time later, there was an exchange of gunfire outside of the shed where the card game was held. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the death of Watson, as well as the wounding of the unnamed man (still hospitalized as of today) and Morgan. 

Obtaining of Warrants

Yesterday afternoon, Sheriff's Office investigators met with a Beaufort County magistrate and presented the facts of the case. After reviewing the case, the magistrate issued warrants for the arrest of Terrance Morgan for Murder, Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Morgan's Arrest and Additional Charges

Late yesterday, with the arrest warrants in hand, investigators drove to Morgan's Peaceful Way, Grays Hill, residence. As three investigators in the lead vehicle approached, they observed Morgan in the yard. When Morgan saw them approaching, he pointed a handgun at their vehicle. After pointing the handgun, Morgan began to flee on foot. The three investigators in the lead car got out of their vehicle and gave chase, at which time Morgan turned around and again pointed the handgun at them. Morgan then threw the handgun and, after a short foot chase, the investigators were able to apprehend him. No one was injured during the arrest and no shots were fired. Morgan was transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center and incarcerated without further incident.

This morning, investigators obtained arrest warrants to charge Morgan with three counts of Pointing and Presenting a Firearm. Morgan was served with the arrest warrants at the Detention Center, where he remains incarcerated. Morgan has yet to receive a bond hearing for the Murder, the Attempted Murder, the Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime or the three new charges.
 
Note- The handgun Morgan pointed at Sheriff's Office investigators was recovered and, after a National Crime Information Center records check was conducted, was listed as stolen out of the Town of Port Royal, SC. Investigators are following up on that report. 
 
Sheriff P.J. Tanner and the men and women of the Sheriff's Office wish Beaufort County residents and guests a happy and healthy New Year. And as always, we appreciate your partnership and continued commitment to the safety of our community.