Berkeley County, South Carolina – A Berkeley County jury has convicted a Goose Creek man of a murder committed in 2019.
After a four-day trial, Judge Thomas Rode sentenced Karrington C. Holmes, 27, to 35 years in prison for murder and possession of a weapon while committing a violent crime in the same incident, according to solicitor’s spokesperson Ashley Kay.
On May 1, 2019, at 1:15 p.m., the victim, Rodney Middleton, was driving a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 52 in Goose Creek toward Moncks Corner. Holmes “cut off” Middleton in traffic, nearly causing a crash on Goose Creek at Central Avenue.
Holmes then followed Middleton for three miles along U.S. Highway 52. Middleton pulled into the driveway of his employer’s equipment yard, and Holmes followed him. Holmes stepped out of his vehicle to confront Middleton. Witnesses described the two engaging in a heated verbal exchange outside the semi-truck cab.
Holmes then used a black handgun with an extended magazine to shoot Middleton twice. He died later that day in a nearby hospital.
Authorities discovered a spent.45 caliber cartridge casing at the scene, which was linked to Holmes’ handgun, as described by witnesses.
Holmes told investigators that he was not present during the shooting. Surveillance video and information from an acquaintance of Holmes contradicted his claims, putting Holmes on the scene.
“This was a circumstantial evidence case that the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office thoroughly investigated so that we could ‘connect all the dots’ for the jury.” This was a senseless killing of a truck driver who was going to work on what he thought would be a normal day. We hope this provides some solace to the victim’s wife, family, and friends.” Assistant Solicitor Nicholas A. Young explained.
Holmes was previously convicted in 2017 for possessing a handgun with an obliterated serial number.
Solicitors Young and F. Alexander Myers prosecuted this case.
