Crime
Two Victims Identified in Anderson County Fatal Shooting, Suspect in Custody
ANDERSON, S.C. – Authorities have identified two individuals who were found shot to death in Anderson County early Wednesday morning.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and coroner’s office responded to the scene at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Quinn Street, where they discovered two deceased victims and one injured survivor.
According to Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore, the victims have been identified as Christian Jordan Woods, 22, and Rona Paul McGirt, 59, both of Anderson.
The surviving male victim, who managed to flag down help, was transported to a local hospital and is expected to fully recover.
Authorities confirmed that Darren Demetrius Martin, a registered sex offender, has been arrested and charged with:
- Two counts of murder
- One count of attempted murder
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Martin is currently being held at the Anderson County Detention Center.
Court records indicate that Martin was previously charged with murder in connection with the 2020 killing of Jesse Banks III; however, that case was later dismissed.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence and determine the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.
Further details may be released as the case progresses.
Authorities have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
During an afternoon press conference, FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the university’s Student Union Building, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
The incident unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on April 17, when the gunman began shooting on the university’s main campus in Tallahassee.
“FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter,” Trumbower said. Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital following the incident.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell detailed the law enforcement response, stating that officers confronted Ikner and opened fire when he failed to comply with commands.
He was subsequently subdued and taken for medical treatment.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
“She has performed her duties with distinction,” McNeil stated, expressing support for Deputy Ikner during what he described as a devastating moment for her and the department.
Investigators revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun previously issued to Deputy Ikner before she transitioned to a new service weapon.
It was reportedly her personal firearm. Authorities also found a shotgun in Ikner’s possession at the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was discharged during the attack.
“We are continuing to investigate the role each weapon may have played and whether the suspect had access to additional firearms,” McNeil said.
Chief Revell added that Phoenix Ikner had been a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several law enforcement-related programs over the years.
“It’s not surprising to us that he had some level of access to firearms given his history within the agency’s youth programs,” Revell stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities noted that Ikner has so far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any explanation for his actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting in the investigation and has requested that anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information or media uploads related to the incident submit tips through their official website at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
FSU remains under heightened security as law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence.