A Charleston County man is facing a range of charges after allegedly shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend, Angel Capers, in the Cane Bay community of Berkeley County, South Carolina. Jeremy Hewlett, 39, was arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, criminal solicitation of a minor, and several violations of court orders, following the deadly attack on August 4, 2024.
What Happened on August 4?
The tragic event occurred in the early morning hours when Capers, 38, was on her way to work around 5 a.m. She reported seeing Hewlett, dressed in black with a hood, walking toward her vehicle. Capers immediately called 911 and tried to drive away, but Hewlett allegedly began hitting her car with an unknown object. She managed to drive further down the road, but Hewlett continued to follow her in his vehicle, attempting to run her off the road.
Capers eventually pulled over into a parking lot and honked her horn for help. Hewlett followed her, blocking her in, and began hitting her window with a baseball bat. A co-worker of Capers witnessed the attack and called 911. Hewlett fled the scene, but responding officers confirmed Capers’ account of the incident through the co-worker’s statement.
The Fatal Attack
Later that afternoon, just before 3:30 p.m., Capers’ home was found to have been broken into by Hewlett. He allegedly shot an adult male family member before moving upstairs and shooting Capers. Hewlett fled the scene, but witnesses and a doorbell camera identified him as the shooter.
A manhunt ensued, and Hewlett was apprehended with the help of Charleston County deputies near Savannah Highway before being taken into custody by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Background and History of Abuse
Capers had filed for an order of protection against Hewlett on June 27, 2024, after he allegedly made inappropriate advances towards a minor and then threatened her. She sought legal protection from Hewlett due to his behavior, including threatening messages and stalking. Despite the protection order, Hewlett repeatedly violated it, including an incident on July 25, when he showed up at Capers’ workplace.
Capers had also reported other incidents of harassment and was concerned for her safety, stating in legal documents that she feared for her life and had taken several steps to protect herself, including installing additional security cameras and even considering purchasing a firearm.
The Legal Process and Charges
Hewlett now faces several charges, including murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, criminal solicitation of a minor, and multiple violations of a court protection order. These charges stem from his actions leading up to and including the fatal shooting of Capers. Despite multiple warrants being out for Hewlett’s arrest in the weeks leading to the murder, he had managed to evade law enforcement.
The case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of protective orders and the frequent challenges faced by victims of domestic violence, especially when perpetrators actively work to avoid detection.
The Impact on Capers’ Family and Advocacy for Domestic Violence Victims
Capers’ family is devastated by her death, and they have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and support her two children, aged 10 and 16. A celebration of life for Capers was held on August 11, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of James Island, where she was remembered for her loving nature and military service.
The case has also sparked discussion about domestic violence support systems. Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, a victim advocacy center, expressed the difficulty of addressing the gaps in domestic violence protection, saying that Capers did everything she could to protect herself, but “sometimes those paper shields or those orders of protection are just that.”
My Sister’s House offers various services to help victims of domestic violence, including legal assistance, therapy, and emotional support. For more information or help, individuals are encouraged to contact their 24-hour crisis line at 843-744-3242 or 800-273-4673.
