Statement from the Office of South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson on the shooting of Scott Spivey

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - After a thorough review of the investigative file presented to us by law enforcement, the Attorney General’s Office provided SLED our legal opinion that South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” law was applicable in the shooting case of Scott Spivey. The legal analysis of this case was reviewed by multiple career prosecutors within the Office of the Attorney General, who all reached the same conclusion.  We have continued to review all information and evidence provided to us by law enforcement, including eyewitness statements, toxicology reports, video evidence, and forensic analysis. Our analysis has remained the same.  

Under South Carolina’s Protection of Persons and Property Act, individuals have the right to defend themselves if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger. Also known as the “Stand Your Ground” statute, immunity from prosecution is provided in certain circumstances where the use of deadly force is deemed lawful.     

Our office takes every loss of life seriously and remains committed to pursuing justice. If new material evidence comes to light, whether through the ongoing civil proceedings, further investigation, or new reports to law enforcement, we are fully prepared to reevaluate the case. 

We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement. The pursuit of justice does not expire, and we remain open to all credible evidence that could change the legal landscape of this case.  

Our analysis of this case pertains specifically to the facts surrounding the shooting of Scott Spivey, and the Attorney General’s Office is unable to comment on any other pending investigations.