Tamassee Shooting ruled Self-Defense

Investigators with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office have determined that the shooting of 41-year-old Bradley Payne from Walhalla was done in self-defense. The incident occurred Tuesday evening at 105 Burrell Drive, which is located in the Tamassee area of Oconee County. According to witnesses, Payne was standing outside the front door to the home threatening the homeowner. The homeowner retrieved a pistol and yelled for Payne to not enter the home. Payne then jerked open the screen door and entered the home. The homeowner shot Payne in the hip after he was inside the residence. The homeowner then called 911 and waited on deputies to arrive on scene. Evidence at the scene corroborated the homeowner and witness accounts of what took place. Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw stated, “No criminal charges will be filed against the individual who shot Payne. South Carolina law is very clear in stating a homeowner has the right to protect themselves if they fear their life is in imminent danger.” Investigators are looking into whether or not charges will be pressed against Payne for entering the home unlawfully.