David Dustin Fowler, a 41-year-old from Gaffney in Cherokee County, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In November 2024, he shot his estranged wife multiple times with a shotgun, resulting in her losing three fingers and suffering other serious injuries requiring medical treatment. Deputies found him standing over her with the weapon in hand, and another firearm was recovered from his truck.
Sentencing Details
Fowler, previously convicted of high and aggravated criminal domestic violence—which barred him from owning guns—received 180 months (15 years) in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Local Context
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about domestic violence and firearm access by prohibited persons in the Upstate region, amid recent severe weather disruptions in nearby counties like York and Cherokee. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office handled the response, highlighting their role in community safety during a stormy weekend.
