FLORENCE, S.C. — A quiet Sunday afternoon turned tragic in Florence County after a shooting on a rural property left a woman dead and her husband seriously wounded. Authorities say the incident, which happened on DuPont Drive near Florence, is now being investigated as a homicide as officials work to uncover what led to the deadly violence.
According to Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken, the shooting occurred on a property managed by the couple. When deputies and emergency responders arrived, they found the woman suffering from fatal injuries. Despite efforts at the scene, she was pronounced dead. Her husband, who was also shot, was transported to a nearby hospital. He is expected to survive, investigators confirmed.
The coroner’s office identified the victim as 54-year-old Lori Coward of Johnsonville. Her sudden death has left loved ones grieving and residents shocked as news of the shooting continues to unfold. Coward’s body has been sent to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where an autopsy will be conducted to provide more clarity on the exact cause and manner of her death.
Von Lutcken confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide, and multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the coroner’s office to gather evidence, interview neighbors, and piece together the sequence of events. Law enforcement officials remained on the property for several hours Sunday into Monday, searching for clues that could lead them to whoever is responsible.
However, authorities have not released details about what may have triggered the shooting. No information has been shared about a suspect, and investigators have not said whether the husband provided any statements that could help shed light on the incident. Officials also have not indicated whether the shooting may have been targeted or if any other individuals were present on the property at the time.
As of Monday afternoon, the investigation remained active, with officials urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement. The death of Lori Coward has cast a shadow over the Johnsonville and Florence communities, where friends and family remember her as a hardworking woman dedicated to her family and responsibilities. As investigators continue searching for answers, residents hope for justice and clarity in a case that has shaken the quiet area of DuPont Drive.
