Robert James Norris Jr., a Columbia, S.C., resident, received an eight-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, unlawful conduct toward a child, and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.​
Incident Overview
On August 19, 2023, Richland County deputies responded to neighbor reports of Norris threatening his wife, finding her with a severe head injury causing temporary blindness and confirmed traumatic brain injury. Norris fled but was tracked by SLED helicopter; his child later detailed witnessing the abuse in a forensic interview.
Additional Charges
The unlawful conduct charge stemmed from a January 2022 incident where Norris verbally and physically abused his wife in front of their son, captured on video showing the child’s distress. Deputies also found his illegally modified shotgun.​
Sentence Details
Judge Heath P. Taylor imposed 15 years suspended to eight in prison, plus five years probation requiring domestic violence and mental health counseling. Assistant Solicitor Allison Foster prosecuted for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
